Joshua's First steps .....

Hi Everyone! My name is Joshua. Firstly, I would love to thank you for taking the time to read my story.

I live at home with my mummy. I am a 3-year-old who hasn't had the easiest start to life. I have a lot of complex health issues that, unfortunately, are undiagnosable at this moment in time. I suffer from conditions such as hypotonia, global developmental delays, speech regression, and degenerative muscles, and I was recently diagnosed with non-verbal autism.

I am classed as a SWAN – Syndrome Without A Name! Unfortunately, this prevents me from playing with other children my age, as I can’t talk yet. But, with your help to buy the equipment I need, I have only just started walking. I am still very unsteady on my feet, but it’s a huge progress! But don’t be sad, because that doesn’t stop my determination and spirit to be the happiest little boy I can be!

My mummy and daddy work extremely hard to get me the care I need, but unfortunately, that can become very demanding when it comes to money. With a very heavy heart, they need a little help – as we all do from time to time!

I have been accepted to a treatment centre called The Movement Centre, which will try and help me learn to walk more steadily with intense physiotherapy and standing frames. I also need new specialist boots, intense muscle therapy, specialist speech and language therapy, and some ramps at home so my mummy doesn't have to carry me. If we have enough funds, I’d love a sensory garden that would help stimulate my sensory needs, as I love being outdoors.

If you can help me in any way, no matter how big or small, we would be very grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts 💙💙💙

Joshua's story has featured in the Sunday Mirror:

Sunday Mirror Article

Any money that isn't used towards Joshua's care will be forwarded to Tree of Hope, so they can help other disabled children.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact the family support team on 01892 535525 and quote Joshua's name.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, then the funds will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objects. If in those circumstances we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives, then any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.