A cerebral palsy sufferer is set to tackle a 1.5km Swimathon in aid of late Bury teenager Josh Wilson – otherwise known as Super Josh.
Simon Moult, from Prestwich, will be raising funds for the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity on May 15 at Abraham Moss Leisure Centre.
Josh unfortunately died in November 2014 following a long battle with terminal cancer and Simon had a close connection with him due to his mum supporting the brave teen at Milwood School.
“Josh was the real deal when it comes to super heroes,” Simon said.
“He was and is a true inspiration – he was voted Mancunian of the year 2014.
“All the money I raise from this swimathon will go to Josh’s charity, helping improve the lives of children with brain tumours & post surgery disabilities, through financial solutions for specialist equipment, house adaptations and advice.”
Joshua was only three and a half years old when he was diagnosed with a brain stem tumour, but life-saving surgery left him with serious post-operative complications.
On Josh’s 13th birthday in 2013, he and his mum, Dawn, launched the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity with the aim of helping other families living with childhood brain tumours and post-operative complications.
The charity, The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity, went on to raise £100,000 in its first year of existence and continues to rely on the support of local people to enable to provide the services offered.
Simon explained that he was happy to raise money for a good cause and that his conditions wouldn’t deter him from his efforts.
“I’ve got cerebral palsy – but that’s unimportant in the grand scheme of things,” he said.
“I swim every day for three reasons – health – it does keep you fit after all, pain relief and, most importantly when I’m under water I feel like I’m flying and for one hour I can pretend I’m a super hero if I want to.
Dawn Fidler said: “What Simon is doing for Josh’s charity is amazing, we can’t thank him enough for his efforts and for his great support to Josh when he was alive.
“Josh would be really honoured, proud and pleased that Simon is supporting us in this way – thank you Simon.”
From Christmas 2013, Dawn was told seven times in eight months her son only had 48 hours to live.
Josh defied all odds, and turned 14 in August of 2014 but sadly died 10 weeks ago.
Since his passing, Dawn and Josh’s other family members have maintained their commitment to his Charity and have remained active and engaged with all of the charity’s supporters.
You can support Simon and his SuperJosh Swimathon by clicking here.
