My story

In June 2007 at an altitude of about 60 feet, my 15 year old nephew, Joshua, stood on a branch of a tree. It broke. Gravity did its inevitable thing and moments later he was lying at the foot of said tree, somewhat surprised to be alive and conscious.  Immediately aware that although his head was working, his legs were not, he knew almost at once that he had broken his back.

A few hours later his self-diagnosis was confirmed - a burst (which is a horrible as it sounds) fracture of the T12 vertebra had left the top bit of his spine disconnected from the lower bit. Once he had been declined admission to the local orthopaedic unit (too young), and to Great Ormond Street hospital (too badly injured), a bed was found for him at the extraordinary Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, where they put him back together.

An astonishingly short eight weeks later Joshua was discharged, to begin his adaptation to life as a blue badge holder. On the first anniversary of his gravity related adventure Joshua defied good taste (and his grandmother) by returning to the scene as the feature entertainment at what we believe to be the world's first "Happy Cripple Day" party. He got himself back to the offending branch (or what remained of it) before absailing to terra firma. Fuzzy footage of the ascent can be found on YouTube by clicking on the link on the left.

On 7 August 2009 Joshua, accompanied by his parents, Lewis and Philippa, will be starting the "walk", in his wheelchair, along the Grand Union and Regent's canals from Braunston to Limehouse. The total distance is about 110 miles, and they expect to take about 12 days to complete the journey. For the avoidance of doubt Joshua will be making the trip under his own power, and his parents will be trying to keep up.

They hope to raise a significant sum (don't pay too much attention to the target, they will be very happy to exceed it many times over) to assist with the overall fundraising target of the RNOH - see the box on the left.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to give: Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please give now!

Thank you so much: I really do appreciate your gift to mark my birthday..

Alexandra xxx

My gallery 2

My Teams

My company

My charity

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital

Charity Registration No. 226955

The RNOH Charity is dedicated to enhancing orthopaedic care at the RNOH. We now have the opportunity to install facilities and equipment which befit the world class service we provide. The RNOH Redevelopment Appeal is committed to raising £15 million over the next five years to do just that.

Donations 29

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A late donation by way of a thank you to Lewis for passing his printer on to me!

Donation by Stewart Leech on 09/04/10

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a late donation but with all best wishes

Donation by jon and naomi on 22/09/09

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Happy Birthday!

Donation by Laura on 20/09/09

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Thank you for a wonderful party. Great to be with you and share your very special day.

Donation by Robbie and Bruce on 10/09/09

Donation by Alastair Dick on 09/09/09

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Alex What a terrific idea in lieu of a birthday gift - congratulations to you and to Joshus Paula

Donation by Paula Carter on 08/09/09

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Alexandra, Happy Birthday and best wishes to your nephew. Lots of love from Gidi, Nin, Olivia and Benjy

Donation by Nin (Anita) Peleg on 08/09/09

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Wishing you a wonderful and truly Happy Birthday. And huge 'well done' to Joshua. All our love Karen, Charlie and Maisie xxx

Donation by Karen Green on 08/09/09

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Looking forward to celebrating with you

Donation by Alex, Ian and girls on 08/09/09

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Hope you have a wonderful birthday. with lots of love from Rob and Melanie XXX

Donation by Robert Lawson on 07/09/09

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happy birthday Alexandra. Look forward to celebrating with you. love Jan

Donation by Jan Shaw on 07/09/09

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Shirley and I wish you a happy birthday. We are happy to support those who help josh and others

Donation by john marks on 05/09/09

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Happy birthday to you. Love to Joshua. Gascon rosé all round.

Donation by Matthew, Hilary and Vika on 04/09/09

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Dear Alex, Hope you have a great day and look forward to sharing it with you. Love Lee xx

Donation by Lee on 04/09/09

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Happy Half Century dear friend.... we have shared so much of the innings... may that partnership long continue, enjoy your day! Love always xxxxx

Donation by Heather and Dave on 04/09/09

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Hi Young Lady - enjoy your day xxx Rog & Abi

Donation by Roger Levitt on 04/09/09

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Donation by Anthony and Caroline on 03/09/09

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Happy birthday Alexandra and well done Joshua

Donation by Vicki and Stephen xx on 02/09/09

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Happy Birthday Alexandra and very well done Joshua. What a great effort.

Donation by Adrian and Alex on 01/09/09

Donation by marsha ginsberg on 29/08/09

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A much better idea than buying a gift! Happy Birthday for wednesday and a very well done to Joshua!!

Donation by Linda and Nick xx on 29/08/09

Great kid. Well done to all the family and happy birthday Alexandra. Looking forward to seeing you at Frederick's. Lindy and Mariel xx

Donation by Lindy and Mariel on 28/08/09

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Wishing Alexandra a very happy birthday and great year to follow and Joshua congratualtions on a wonderful effort! Love Ros and Richard

Donation by ros barnett on 28/08/09

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A great cause and a wonderful thing to do for your birthday, Alexandra. We hope Joshua enjoys his fundraising canal 'walk'.

Donation by Stephanie & Jon Conder on 19/08/09

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Hi Joshua - I hope it went well and you have finished today! Happy Birthday for the 9th September Alexandra ! xx

Donation by Kate Barnett on 19/08/09

Donation summary

  • * Online donations£2,150.00
  • Offline donations£575.00
  • Text donations£0.00
  • Total raised£2,725.00
  • Gift Aid£592.31

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