In August 2017, our world turned upside down when Joshua was diagnosed with a brain tumour called diffuse midline glioma H3k27m, a subtype of glioblastoma multiforme at the age of 15. The prognosis of this mutation is a 0% survival rate, with an average survival of 9 - 12 months, with less than 10% making it past 2 years. Joshua was exceptional as he did far better than most with his diagnosis. He showed true determination, strength and willpower. Yet, it breaks our family that he tragically passed away in late February of 2021. 

Joshua was an individual with many interests and ambitions. Most notable of all was his dream to become a human rights lawyer, but it didn’t stop there. Joshua was a very talented singer with an amazing voice. He loved to sing in a variety of settings, from the shower to musicals. Even after his diagnosis, his love for singing continued. Despite finding it difficult to sing on stage, his voice was recorded and used because it was so powerful. 

Joshua’s talents were not limited to singing. He loved acting, having been given lead roles from a very young age, progressing to A level Drama which he continued to enjoy until lockdown.  He also enjoyed his sport particularly rugby (until he was no longer allowed to play), football and cricket. He continued to play football for as long as his illness allowed and represented his school in both cricket and football. A little known talent was cooking. He had the ability to just throw food together with scrumptious taste and success, and he perfected an amazing steak. Josh always thought of others and even though he was going through the most unimaginable ordeal he never wanted to let people down and always pushed through rarely allowing others to see how he was truly feeling.

In Josh’s honour we want to raise awareness and funding for research into Diffuse Midline Glioma, in the hope that one day no other young person has to endure the pain and suffering that Josh experienced.