For progress reports (so that you can see where we are, so that you can come and walk with us for a bit, come on, you know you want to...) visit our blog at http://wuzzbie.livejournal.com which, mobile technology permitting, we hope to keep regularly updated during our "walk".

In June 2007 at an altitude of about 60 feet, 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 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 we 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.

We hope to raise a significant sum (don't pay too much attention to the target, we 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 sponsor us: 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 sponsor us now!

Many thanks

Joshua + Lewis + Philippa