Meet Joshua

Hi, my name is James and I am uncle to a wonderful little boy called Joshua.

Joshua lights up every room he enters and, at just two and a half years old, he is full of energy, laughter, and a fierce curiosity for the world around him. Whether he’s riding on a tractor, bouncing on his trampoline, or singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star before cheekily “dropping the mic,” Joshua radiates pure joy. He loves playing with his cousins, swimming, walks with his dogs, and being part of the vibrant community life in his village of Coldridge.

Joshua isn’t just deeply loved by his parents - Keeley and Joe – he’s cherished by all of us in the family and wider community. After seven long years of heartbreaking pregnancy losses and two rounds of IVF, Keeley and Joe finally welcomed Joshua into the world - their own little miracle. We all thought the toughest part of their journey was behind them. Tragically, we were wrong.

A Sudden and Devastating Diagnosis

In May 2025, Joshua started complaining of severe tummy pain. At first, we suspected appendicitis. But after an initial visit to A&E and a few more days of concern, blood tests and scans revealed a devastating truth: a large tumor above his right kidney. More tests followed, and the diagnosis came—Stage 4 high-risk Neuroblastoma. It’s a rare, aggressive childhood cancer with a long and uncertain road ahead.

The treatment plan is intense and will stretch over 18 months. It includes 80 days of chemotherapy, followed by surgery, stem cell harvesting, high-dose chemo with transplant, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and maintenance chemotherapy. Throughout it all, Joshua will need his Mum or Dad with him 24/7 in hospital—to provide the love, care and comfort he needs. Even routine medical procedures are frightening for a toddler, and Joshua’s bravery already humbles us.

Why We’re Asking for Your Help

This diagnosis has turned Joshua’s family’s life upside down. Understandably both Keeley and Joe want to be by Joshua’s side to provide the love, care and comfort that he will need during this difficult time. His Dad (Joe) is self-employed and responsible for the welfare of animals on their farm—commitments that can’t be paused and his Mum (Keeley) will likely need to take extended leave to be with Joshua during treatment, leaving the family with a significant loss of income, while also facing mounting travel and care expenses. Joshua’s treatment is taking place at Bristol Children’s Hospital, a two-hour drive each way that adds both cost and fatigue to an already unimaginable journey.

Any donation you can provide, even just sharing Joshua’s story, will help:

Keep Joshua’s family together - help relieve the financial pressures of travel costs, accommodation and essential cover for the farm so that his Mum and Dad can be by his side through every step of treatment—giving Joshua the love, stability, and strength he needs to fight.

Provide Joshua moments of joy - ensure that Joshua has everything he needs to be comfortable and happy during his treatment journey.

Ongoing care - If we’re fortunate enough to reach a point where Joshua is eligible for a clinical trial abroad aimed at preventing relapse, your support may also help us access that next stage of care.

From Our Family and Community – Thank You

We’ve been overwhelmed by the compassion and generosity shown by so many already. Friends, neighbours, and strangers alike have already rallied around this brave little boy—organising fundraisers, sending gifts to keep him smiling in hospital, and sharing words of comfort and hope. It reminds us how lucky we are to be part of such a caring community.

If you’d prefer to support an organisation, please consider donating to one of the following, all of which have played an important role in Joshua’s journey:

Sam’s House Bristol (Young Lives vs Cancer)

Macmillan Cancer Support

Bristol Children’s Hospital (Starlight Ward)

Exeter RD&E (Bramble Ward & A&E)

Bow Medical Practice

On behalf of Joshua, his parents, and our entire family—thank you for standing with us. Your kindness gives us the strength to face each day and helps Joshua know he’s not alone in this fight.

With heartfelt gratitude from Joshua and his entire family.