Super Josh’s ‘brave’ supermum was honoured with a GMP community award for her inspiring charity work after tragically losing her 14-year-old son.
Josh Wilson from Bury – known to the community as Super Josh – died in November 2014 following a long battle with terminal illness.
The youngster was left partially blind and disabled following intrusive surgery to remove a life threatening brain tumour, when he was just three years old.
However ‘supermum’ Dawn Fidler has continued to drum up cash for the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity which provides support to other children with brain tumours and post-surgery disabilities.
“I was shocked when I was told that I had been nominated for the award,” said Dawn.
“It was on the day we were scattering Josh’s ashes at Salford Reds, just typical of Josh to send one of his policeman buddies around on such a poignant day.
“I would like to say a special thank you to Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes & all his team at GMP Bury for this award, so proud to have my boy and our charity work recognised.”
Josh was rushed to hospital ten years ago when doctors found a life threatening brain tumour which needed to be operated on.
After the surgery the youngster was left in a coma for six weeks and due to the location of the brain stem, when he came round he was partially blind and disabled, battling epilepsy, scoliosis and joint problems.
In 2013, the teen’s tumour was classed as ‘frozen at present’, but sadly his spine was so severely deformed it was affecting his lungs and he was unable to have certain medicine or surgery.
Despite his disabilities, Josh’s mind was still fully functioning and he remained a ‘typical cheeky 14-year-old’, who loved Manchester United and Salford Red Devils, and the teenager continued to dedicate his time to raising cash for his charity.
The charity, which operates mainly through social media, boasts more than 40,000 Twitter followers and is committed to helping families with terminally ill children by providing help, support and financial solutions.
Dawn was nominated for the Community Award at the Greater Manchester Police Divisional Awards, held at The Fusilier Museum, by GMP Bury Response Officer Alex Keen.
“I nominated Dawn for the courageous battle both her and Josh have fought and for their charitable work that will prevent many more families having to go through the same,” said Mr Keen.
From Christmas 2013, Dawn was told seven times in eight months her son only had 48 hours to live.
However, Josh defied all odds, and turned 14 in August 2014, but sadly died three months later.
Since his passing, Dawn and Josh’s other family members have maintained their commitment to raising vital funds for the charity in his name.
To find our more or donate to the charity, visit our website.
