22/05/2024
Evening boys and girls, here is a little post about our mate Josh to brighten up your day.
Who is Josh?
Josh is one of the kindest, most caring, and nicest human beings you could ever meet and at 14, he is the youngest member of our group.
How did we meet Josh?
Josh’s Mum approached the group in April, asking if Josh could join us on our Sunday Walk and Talk’s as he was struggling with his mental health. Since that day, Josh has attended every walk and talk, our boxing classes and is now part of the Saturday Run Club.
What’s his story?
Josh suffers from Autism and because of this has been the victim of bullying and abuse from others at his school. He felt like he had no friends and didn’t feel accepted and all of this led to Josh sadly trying to take his life in February. Thankfully, he’s still with us today and every member of our group has been overwhelmed by the changes we’ve seen in him.
However, Josh still suffers from his past traumas and like all of us, has his bad days.
How did we help?
On Friday, we took Josh to get his hair cut at Dash Barber’s in Reigate in preparation for his upcoming holiday, and although he came out looking dapper, it was about much more than that. It was a chance for him to spend some time with people he calls family and for him to be able to talk about how he was feeling. Something he has struggled to do in the past.
Josh also has a passion for cars (will chew your ear off about them) so after our Walk on Sunday, some of the lads got together and took Josh to the banger racing in Smallfield so that he could put his troubles to the side and be in an environment that he finds happiness in. He told us that he had one of the best days of his life and one of the drivers was kind enough to let Josh sit in his car – an experience he loved!!
Josh still has a long way to go, but we will be there for him throughout every step!
We believe that no child (or adult) deserves to be bullied, made to feel like they are different or to feel alone. We have thankfully been able to help Josh and want to be there for anyone else that is feeling the same way.
Please, if you are experiencing anything like this, reach out.We will be there