31-year-old Josh Davies from Morriston is a recognisable figure for many at the Swansea.com Stadium, a place where he gets his most enjoyment from.
With his immense joy and camaraderie, Josh brings unwavering support to the team he has followed as a season ticket holder for 21 years.
Josh’s condition though has left him disabled needing a wheelchair since he was born without the use of his legs, whilst he only has limited functionality of his arms.
“Josh was born with Cerebral Palsy,” explained his father, Kevin. He has no use of his legs and limited use of his arms.
“His brain is marvelous, he’s a switched-on guy but his mobility is difficult. He relies on his wheelchair for everything.”
Having suffered years of operations, pain and suffering Josh’s parents would be recommended a specialist standalone wheelchair by his physiotherapist. It would cost an eyewatering £14,000 – a fee his family could not afford.
After six months had passed, Josh’s father was contacted saying there would be another route. A girl from London would no longer require a chair and it would either be sold for parts or could be available for half the original price.
Kevin sought about saving and with help from the local community through a fundraiser was able to purchase the chair. Something he says changed his son’s life.
“We didn’t realise at the time because it stood him up it was stretching his body, so all his organs started to work normally,” said Kevin.
“Before, he had to have operations on his legs because he would be chair-shaped because he had been sitting all the time.
“With the stand-up chair, everything became normal, and the physiotherapists couldn’t believe how this chair worked for him.
“With the chair Josh no longer needed physiotherapy or operations.”
Now many years later, Kevin fears the chair after multiple repairs is failing – leaving his son at risk of losing his independence.
The price of a new specialist chair for Josh now costs more than £20,000. Desperately trying to help, friends Huw and Rene have stepped in to launch a fundraiser.
Rene hopes that from this Josh can receive the support and assistance to continue to be an active and engaged member of the community.
“The cost of a suitable wheelchair is substantial, and unfortunately, Josh is unable to afford it on his own,” said Rene.
“That’s why we are reaching out to you, our compassionate community members, to ask for your support in raising funds for this much-needed wheelchair.
“Your generous contribution, no matter the amount, will make a significant difference in improving Josh’s quality of life and enabling him to participate fully in the activities he loves.
“We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to live their life to the fullest, regardless of any challenges they may face. By coming together as a community, we can make a meaningful impact and demonstrate our solidarity and support for Josh.”
To donate visit the GoFundMe website for the fundraiser via this link
[Lead image: Kevin Davies]
