A HUGE congratulations to our incredible Joe and his friends, for finally receiving their DofE awards yesterday at Buckingham Palace 🎉 We are bursting with pride. Thanks so much for all of your wonderful messages of support, we can’t tell you how much it means ❤️ #dukeofedinburghaward #buckinghampalace

So on the 4th January, Sally asked if I wanted to do the Athens Marathon with her to support Josephs Journey . Like any sane person every part of me shouted “What? Me? No way!!”, whilst secretly thinking I bet Joseph would give anything to be able to run a marathon. I spent the next two weeks dedicated to finding real reasons why I couldn’t do any sort of running- having a clicky knee and funny shaped feet featured highly in my list of genuine reasons never to run- ever. I booked myself in for an appointment with Andy Kett who is a physio and works with our local runners, just to give myself solid proof from a professional that my body wasn’t up to it. Sadly Andy found a solution for clicky knee and funny feet... So I searched for the couch to marathon app- but there isn’t one- and began my couch to 5k journey 5 weeks ago. So now my sights are set on completing the Athens Marathon in November ( or something similar if we don’t get in) I’ll post updates on here so you can have a giggle along with me at this ridiculous challenge. xx Kate (Joe's Aunty) ♡

Joseph’s Journey – An Update. 03/10/2021 Dear all, at last we have an update for you – we are sorry it has been such a long time since we posted news on Joe's progress. Firstly, Joe moved to Steps Rehabilitation in July this year and during the last 8 weeks, Joe has received a more comprehensive rehabilitation and physio programme. Unsurprisingly, his favourite activity is therapy in the hydro pool! Joe is making some great progress; he is managing oral trials with stage 4 puréed food and a few sips of fluid. He also recently achieved a supported stand with one of the tremendous physio team. The visiting provision at the care unit is a huge improvement from the previous setting he was living in, and he can have frequent visits from his Mum and his family and friends are having the opportunity to spend time with him. Joe is LOVING the company of loved ones. We are delighted to share that Joe was best man at the marriage of his cousin Jake in August and attended the wedding with his family. The beautiful day was filled with smiles galore from everyone! Joe was on the dance floor in his wheelchair and enjoyed one dance with the bridesmaids. Last Friday, the home arranged for Joe and others to see the Para Ice Hockey at Sheffield Arena and of course, Joe wore his Nottingham Panthers kit with pride and a cheeky grin. Joe is working so hard in every aspect of his rehabilitation; he truly is an inspiration. He is working on his speech but currently communicating using an alphabet spelling board. Thanks to all the money raised by his wonderful supporters, we are investing money into technology to assist Joe with his communication and to enable him to be in contact more easily with the world around him. We are working with the medical professionals to make an informed decision on how best to invest the funds raised to support his recovery. We will keep you informed on any future investment we embark on. All the money raised will really help Joe receive additional support to assist him make the progress he is working so hard to achieve. Joe has asked us to say a personal thank you to everyone for all the support, from the bottom of his heart. We are planning our next fundraising for next year and would love everyone to be involved, we are hoping that Joe will be able to participate - after all, we know how much he loves a challenge! Keep following us for more updates, we promise to keep the updates coming more regularly ❤️ JJ’s Team xxx