Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My beautiful son Joshua Thomas has autism with learning difficulties and severe behavioural problems.  

June 7th 2014 was a day which changed our lives forever, this is the date Joshua had his first seizure.  Autistic children are prone to developing epilepsy however Joshua's seizures changed his whole personality from the very first one.

Joshua who is 16 years old now has the mental capacity of a 5 year old.  His behaviour has deteriorated dramatically and previously Joshua just about managed to live day to day but he now needs more routine and becomes very anxious when in situations he cannot control. 

Joshua requires 2-1 attention in normal situations and 3-1 when out and about. Medication keeps him on track and the tonic clinic seizures do not happen that regularly now we have the levels of medication right.  Joshua unfortunately does suffer from absence seizures quite regularly though.  These make him very tired and confused but after a sleep he just seems to get on with everything. 

Joshua is an incredible polite, well mannered and loving boy however his mental capacity means I still have my baby boy forever. People stare when they see Joshua who is a strapping 16 year old boy but I don't care, he is my world.

After spending 3 months in a psychiatric unit in Sheffield in the early part of 2015, Joshua moved to a Birtenshaw home in May 2915, they offer him independent living and continuous 2-1 care.  All the staff there genuinely care for all the kids who live there.  Joshua has an amazing relationship with his key worker and I want to raise some money for them by stretching myself.

I have previously completed 2 dry January's and this time I wanted to push myself further so I will be giving up meat for 31 days also. Perhaps no meat and no alcohol will make me slightly grumpy so god help my family and friends.  Bernie is doing this with me so I will have support from my caring and loving wife also.

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