leahortez86: Our Heroes: Josh puts a brave face on years of problems

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Our Heroes: Josh puts a brave face on years of problems

WHILE most of his friends enjoy fun games of football, fan Josh Lowe is resigned to life on the sidelines.

The 15-year-old, from Burslem, used to enjoy the sport as a youngster playing for his team at John Baskeyfield Primary School but now struggles to even walk long distances because of his health.

Josh has suffered with mobility problems throughout his life after being born with an abnormality called clubfoot.

He has felt the strain most during the past five years, but has remained strong throughout his treatment.

Now his bravery has won him a nomination in the Child of Courage category in The Sentinel's Our Heroes awards.

Josh's mum Hannah, of Anna Walk, said: "Josh is such a brave child and never complains.

"When I suggest he takes painkillers, he says he is used to the pain. We're extremely proud of him."

Josh first had surgery to correct his clubfoot – where the foot appears rotated at the ankle and faces the wrong way– when he was nine months old.

He managed well afterwards, but began having problems with his right knee just before his 11th birthday.

Hannah, aged 34, added: "His knee started dislocating and it was happening quite frequently. No sooner had he finished six weeks of intensive physiotherapy, it was back out again."

Josh, pictured above with mum Hannah and carer Russell Hawley, left, had surgery in February last year.

This involved snapping his thigh bone and breaking his shin to put his foot in the right position.

Rods, pins and screws were used to keep his bones in place.

Now Josh can only walk short distances before it becomes painful and he sometimes has to use a wheelchair.

Josh said: "I used to like playing football but I can't do it anymore. I'm stuck in the house now.

"The past few years have been painful and quite annoying at times. Things can be upsetting too."

He added: "I am pleased and very happy to be nominated."

Our Heroes: The Sentinel and Britannia

THE Sentinel has once again teamed up with Britannia, part of The Co-operative Group, to recognise Our Heroes. The campaign, now in its sixth year, aims to highlight the efforts of people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Neville Richardson, chief executive of The Co-operative Financial Services, said: "Our Heroes has become firmly established as a highlight of the community calendar. Once again we are being moved by the truly amazing stories of extraordinary achievements, selfless courage and determination - stories that provide inspiration for all of us.

A celebrity gala dinner to honour the winners will take place in September. The closing date for entries is July 29.