Joshua’s on track to help Covid-19 patients
ATHOUGHTFUL n i n e - y e a r- o l d goalkeeper’s grand gesture will help coronavirus patients like his grandad.
Joshua Curran, from Helmshore, took part in the Rossendale School Sports Virtual Mile, and after completing his first mile decided to repeat it every day this month to improve his fitness ahead of the football season.
The Junior Hoops keeper then came up with the idea of using the challenge as an opportunity to raise money for NHS staff that looked after his grandad David Simpson, as he battled Covid-19 in Salford Royal Hospital’s intensive care. Remarkably, Mr Simpson, who has survived cancer, sepsis, and kidney failure in the past, has now fought off the virus and tested negative on June 8.
Haslingden St Mary’s RC pupil Joshua set an initial £200 target, but has already gone past the £1,500 mark from his daily runs around their local field at Haslingden Sports Centre, including a best time of 7:58. Dad Michael, himself a keen runner, has been running alongside, while documenting his son’s efforts on a fundraising Facebook page.
His mum Claire said: “Since starting on June 1, we have invited some of Joshua’s friends and family to run alongside Joshua to give some support - while socially distancing themselves of course!
“It has given Joshua such a great feeling to not only improve his fitness and to get the opportunity to catch up with his friends but to also know that he is doing something good for NHS that he himself and his own family can be really proud of.
“We have been in contact with Joshua’s grandad via FaceTime when he has been well enough, however he has been seriously poorly so there have been a couple of days where we haven’t heard anything from him as he has been too unwell to call, and we are obviously not allowed to go to the hospital to visit him.
“He is, however, an exceptionally strong character with an extraordinary love of life with his family and friends!”
Joshua, who has a brother Jack, wanted to put the money towards a relaxation room on the Covid-19 ward at Salford Royal where doctors and nurses can go on their break to take some much needed time out and restoration.
However, the donations already received mean he can do the same at his local hospitals too.
A separate fundraising page has now been set up. Visit justgiving.com and search for ‘Claire Curran’ and follow the link under ‘Crowdfunders’.