Josh was the youngest of our three sons. He was a kind and caring young man who always wanted to help others and aspired to be a human rights lawyer. In August 2017 he was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma brain tumour and was given a life expectancy of 12-18 months. Despite his diagnosis, we managed to access a clinical trial in New York which for a while gave him hope but also improved his quality of life. However, he was unable to continue with his treatment after the onset of the pandemic. He made the difficult decision shortly after to discontinue all treatment and died in February 2021, aged 18.

In his yearbook at school Josh wrote that he wanted to dedicate his future to raising awareness for brain tumour research. I have chosen to do the Lyke Wake Walk, a 40 mile crossing of the North York Moors together with my friend Paul to raise awareness and funds for this extremely worthy cause.

Despite his deteriorating mobility Josh tried to remain as active as possible and continued to participate in many school activities including drama productions and sport. He took part in the school cross-country run which he had to walk. He never once complained and I was always humbled by his bravery and maturity throughout his illness. I hope that collectively, all the money raised for brain tumour research will eventually lead to a cure.

Team Joshua has been set up as a Brain Tumour Research Fundraising Group by Josh's family to help raise awareness and more importantly help to improve outcomes for brain tumour patients and ultimately find a cure. If you can, please donate to this worthy cause.

Please donate whatever you can.