Thank you so much for all those who have already donated funds to help Joshua get to the Special Olympics National Summer Games 2 in Sheffield from August 7th - 12th and at the time of typing this you have raised so far £370.

However, I have had several of you tell me that I should increase the amount needed in order to cover the fact that I too need to raise £420 in order to go with him due to his communication needs and his personal care needs. This I have now done.

As majority of you know, Joshua as no/limited understandable speech and in a situation like this his anxiety levels will be at it’s highest. Therefore, he will need someone that knows him very well to be able to support him communicating with others and to tend to his personal care needs so that he can maintain some dignity and respect. Therefore, I have opted for the cheapest and easiest option and will be supporting him instead of using the time to have a break and relax.

The total that needs to be raised is £840 plus to enable Joshua along with support (me) to join 5 other members from Rutland Conquerors Inclusive Basketball to represent the East Midlands in the Special Olympics National Games at Sheffield 2017 which will be the 10th National Summer Games – the country’s largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

It will be a huge opportunity to showcase the abilities of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to compete at a national level, experience the personal achievement this brings, as well as enable them to make friends, travel and socialise.

We are trying to fundraise ourselves to give Joshua the wonderful opportunity to compete and for him to showcase the work that he is achieving through disability sport but we need your help.

I know that money is tight for everyone and this is quite a large amount of money to find, but I would appreciate if you could help us make this dream of Joshua’s a reality.

Jacqui