Run Josh Run

On 15 March 2014, Josh fell ill with Meningococcal Pneumonia Septicemia.

He was transferred from Hutt Hospital to Wellington ICU the night that he was admitted, it was also at that time that we were advised that Josh only had 12-24 hours to live.

Josh needed to be sent to Starship Hospital for treatment but had to wait until the storm cleared, as all flights going to Auckland were cancelled.

Things were touch and go for Josh for the next 24 hours, but Josh managed to hang on until the medical team got him to Starship hospital where they were able to give him the right treatment and care. While at Starship Josh had many complications, but he managed to fight.

After about a month at Starship Hospital Josh was transferred to Hutt Hospital for further treatment. As they had one of the best surgeons in NZ.

While receiving dialysis at Starship Josh’s toes lost all functionality as they were starved of blood flow for so long. He therefore had to have all his toes amputated. After numerous surgeries, dressing changes and consults Josh worked hard with recovery and physio as he had to learn how to walk with no toes.

Josh was really into his rugby like young boys are and one of his goals was to play the last game of the season. I am glad to say Josh played the last game of the season with the support of the club, his coach and his teammates.

Unfortunately, Josh’s troubles didn’t end as his left ankle started to lockup and after another infection only gave him limited movement. The specialist talked to Josh about his options. Option 1 was to infuse his ankle which meant he wouldn’t be able to move it at all or 2nd option to have a below the knee amputation. At this stage Josh was 10 years old. We did our research and went to the limbs center spoke to them about prosthetics and what that could look like for him.

Josh made the decision to have the below the knee amputation which was just a few days after his 11th birthday. His life has improved, and he is always up for a challenge and is continuing to grow and learn as an amputee.

Since having his amputation Josh has had many achievements in sports

1. 2017 AIMS Games – Gold medal and new record – Freestyle, Breaststroke, and back stroke

2. 2017 Junior Halberg Games – David Lavene Foundation Cup for Most Promising Athlete.

3. 2018 AIMS Games – Basketball team, Gold medal and new record for Freestyle, Breaststroke, and back stroke (7 gold medals)

4. 2018 Junior Halberg Games – Most promising junior swimmer

5. 2018 Hutt Valley u13 Basketball Team

6. 2019 - 2021 Upper Hutt College – Junior A Basketball (2019), Senior Volleyball Team (2019-2021)

7. 2020 IPC Volleyball Wellington u15 Representative Team, also named as part of the tournament team. (Gold Medal)

8. 2021 IPC Volleyball Wellington u17 representative team (Silver Medal)

9. 2021 IPC tri-region Volleyball Hutt Valley u15 representative (Gold Medal), also named in the tournament team.

Here are a few web articles of Josh.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/aims-games/107011620/the-12yearold-basketball-star-with-

one-leg-inspiring-his-teammates-at-aims-games

https://i.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/upper-hutt-leader/79672446/schoolboy-

amputee-joshua-tia-gives-his-all-in-disability-games

Josh was also on Goodsorts – TV1

Josh’s goals

Josh would like to represent NZ at the Paralympics in sprinting. Both in the 100 and 200 Meters.

To help him with this goal we are looking for funding, as Josh is not covered under ACC, because it was an illness that caused him to have an amputation. He is therefore limited with how many and what types of prosthetic legs he can have.

For a running blade it is going to cost $10,000. We are looking at funding to help with this. And to cover any additional expenses that may occur while he is training.

We have raised $2000 so far and are needing a further $8,000 to get him the running blade to help him along his journey towards becoming a Paralympian.

Joshua is a very motivated and hard-working young man who will push himself to overcome the impossible just because he can.