Tina Brady (53) and Jackie Walker (60th year ) are walking an arduous 20 miles a day for 8 days, so 160 miles of the Camino Way Pilgrims Trail, to raise money to support a local charity 'Jolly Josh'

‘Jolly Josh’ was founded by Carole Kelly, in memory of her 1 year old son Joshua Kelly, who sadly passed away in 2017. Carole was a primary school teacher for many years, before she became full time carer for little Josh. She found that there was a huge gap in the health care system, which meant that families and parents of disabled children and children with special needs were not able to connect with each other. Carole created ‘Jolly Josh’ toddler group, with the help of an outstanding team, in the hope that they could bring families together, to share experiences, support one another, exchange information and eliminate isolation.

Carole feels she is extremely lucky to have such a knowledgeable, caring team around her, with the support of many local professionals, who offer guidance and expertise to ensure that ‘Jolly Josh’ succeeds in its objectives. They have a consultant paediatrician, a complex care nurse, a health visitor, community nurses, legal manager, project manager, special needs teachers and head teacher.

‘Jolly Josh’, which is in the process of gaining Charitable status, runs weekly play dates for families and their disabled/special needs children and siblings to interact with each other, at Springside School in Rochdale on Wednesday afternoons (13:15 – 15:30).

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/how-mum-whose-toddler-son-13656865