A young boy from Poole, who learned to knit as a way of unravelling the challenges of living with epilepsy, has stitched together an incredible £3,000 to support the University Hospitals Dorset NHS team that helped him manage his condition.
In August 2023, Joshie Cadbury and his family were crossing the ferry from Calais to Switzerland when Joshie suddenly became unwell. After a few nights in Calais Hospital, the family continued their holiday, and it was later confirmed that Joshie had epilepsy upon their return to the UK.
During this time on holiday, Joshie – then 11 years old – began knitting to aid his recovery as he was told to take it easy and limit screentime.
What started as a therapeutic hobby quickly became a passion, and Joshie decided to cast on a fundraising effort to support University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s epilepsy fund.
Joshie’s hand-crafted items didn’t just raise funds for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, he knit the community together to support a great cause.
Joshie said: “I have loved getting into knitting more since being diagnosed with epilepsy, and it has helped me so much. It has turned a tough situation into a more positive one. It’s been so great to raise money for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity and help others with epilepsy. I couldn’t have done it without the help from my family and friends and am so grateful for everyone’s support.”
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity public fundraising officer, Amy Beauchamp, said: “We’re absolutely delighted by Joshie’s incredible donation and generosity. His £3,000 donation will help us enhance the care provided by the epilepsy team at University Hospitals Dorset and weave hope into the lives of people living with epilepsy. He’s truly crafted a more positive future for so many.”
The £3,000 raised by Joshie for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity will go directly towards transforming care and resources for people living with epilepsy receiving treatment at our local hospitals. From purchasing new state-of-the-art equipment to enhancing facilities, this seamless act of kindness will have a lasting impact on University Hospitals Dorset.
If Joshie’s story inspires you, you don’t have to sit on pins and needles – get involved today! Whether donating, fundraising or simply spreading the word, you can help University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity create a stronger future for those facing epilepsy and your local hospitals.
For more information and ways to get involved, visit University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s website: www.UHDcharity.org.