Josh has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 3 (a rare neuromuscular condition that causes progressive muscle wasting and weakness) and has been in a wheelchair since the age of 10. He runs his own company which involves a lot of travelling overseas and in his spare time loves nothing more than being outdoors.

He was told once by a friend that it was as shame that he couldn’t “just go on a hike with them” and this promoted Josh to do everything he could to actually make that happen!

Growing up as a child Josh was raised to 'know no bounds', barriers were always seen as a challenge to relish. Josh's favourite mantra comes from his Nan "Put can't in your pocket and pull out try". So, in 2021 he purchased an all-terrain wheelchair to do just that! The X8 manufactured by Magic Mobility offers; “freedom you’ve always wanted...perfect for outdoor adventurers, explorers and rural workers. If the great outdoors is where you want to be, the Extreme X8 is waiting to take you there."

However, it soon became apparent that whilst Josh had the right kit to take him on these “inaccessible” routes, what was stopping him was something else entirely.

One of his first climbs was to be Pen-y-Fen in Wales but after arriving he found that the only pathway in that he could use had a style and a locked gate! To Josh's frustration, the irony in purchasing an all-terrain wheelchair to make the inaccessible outdoors accessible, was still found to be inaccessible because of a man made structure. He was told he would have to email a few weeks in advance to get the gate open.

Josh did return and climbed Pen-y-Fen a few months later and has been spurred on highlight the issues surrounding the “inaccessible” outdoors and the campaign, Know No Bounds is set to do just that!

The challenge - #KnowNoBounds

Date: 15th June 2024

Location: Snowdon, Yr Wyddfa

This is a climb with a difference! Challenging Josh in a race to the top of Snowdon, Maxwell Mcknight will also be taking on the climb making the event even more exciting!

It will take 20 people per team to assist Josh and Maxwell to the top of Snowdon; carrying kit and equipment!

Taking on the Llanberis Path, they will be climbing 14.5km in total with an ascent of 3,199 Feet!

The campaign has two main objectives;

To raise awareness and highlight the need to make our outdoors more accessible for people with disabilities.

All funds raised will give other individuals living with SMA the opportunity to explore the great outdoors as well as supporting SMA UK who’s work ensuring hat everyone affected by SMA will have the access to the best care, support and treatment and there will be no barriers preventing full inclusion in society.

£25,000: Could purchase a new all-terrain X8 wheelchair

£50,000: Could purchase two all-terrain X8 wheelchairs

£75,000: Could purchase two all-terrain X8 wheelchairs and help fund an activity weekend for adults and children living with SMA

£100,000: Could purchase two all-terrain X8 wheelchairs and help fund two activity weekends for adults and children living with SMA

Thank you so much for your support!