Alan Wilson
Alan's page for Joe
Fundraising for British Heart Foundation
Story
On Monday 12 December 2011 my son Joe celebrated his 17th birthday. After school he did his usual voluntary work at Wishaw General Hospital. Later the family came round for a wee celebration.
Normally on a Monday evening, Joe would spend a couple of hours helping at the club in Carfin for children with special needs, and with his birthday celebrations he did not expect to be there that night. When the family left, Joe said to me "I can still catch the last half hour at the Carfin club, can you give me a lift up?"
How could I refuse such a kind and thoughtful gesture. Joe came back that night beaming ear to ear with his trademark smile that lit up a room. For him, that was a perfect birthday.
In the early hours of Thursday of the same week, Joe collapsed and stopped breathing. The paramedics rushed Joe to Wishaw General where he spent the next five days in intensive care, looked after by the most amazing people you could ever meet.
In the early hours of 20 December, Joe passed into the loving arms of God.
Joe was diagnosed with a rare heart condition which, unknown to all, he had since birth. The condition is extremely difficult to detect.
Joe was an incredible person, extremely bright and with time for everyone. His chosen career was medicine and with his nature and intelligence he would have made a brilliant doctor.
He touched so many people with his kindness, and his facebook page and twitter give you an idea of what folk thought of him. Various newspaper articles are linked below to give you an idea of Joe's character.
http://www.motherwelltimes.co.uk/news/local-headlines/a_wonderful_son_1_2029758
As it is now, Joe is providing an incredible inspiration to a lot of people.
Last year Joe and some friends climbed Ben Nevis for charity. This year Joe's great pal Chris Lawlor has organised "Ben Nevis - The Climb for Joe" as a memorial for Joe and to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
I will be taking part and at the age of 51 it will be quite an ordeal taking on Britain's highest mountain for the first time.
We received and continue to receive so much support as a family and with your help, I want to give something back and this is such a brilliant way of doing just that.
May I ask you to be generous to sponsor a weary man who is well past his physical peak, and for my wonderful inspirational son Joseph Wilson.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
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I am really grateful for your donation.