Concert to raise dosh for Josh

TREATMENT pledge . . . for Joshua Burns-Adair

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A KIND-HEARTED fundraiser with a rare bone disease has set his sights on helping a five-year-old boy receive life-saving treatment.

Andrew Taylor (56), from Holts Estate, refuses to let his own physical disability stop him from doing everything in his power to provide support to others.

Joshua Burns-Adair (5) was given just a one in 56 million chance of being born alive.

He was diagnosed with Jeunes Thoracic Dystrophy at birth which causes his rib cage to grow at a slower rate than the rest of his body. He has had to have numerous operations to enlarge his chest.

The family began trying to raise £100,000 for treatment in America as his condition cannot be treated in the UK at this stage.

In November, little Joshua was accepted for the operation but his family were told the first two phases of treatment would cost £1.5 million.

Desperate

Mum Amanda Burns said: "It just seems the amount is more impossible than our initial aim.

"We are in conversation with a Sheffield hospital but are still waiting to hear. Joshua returned home three weeks ago after being in hospital for two weeks with a bad chest infection but he is doing OK."

A GoFundMe page has so far reached £37,747 but Amanda and her partner Mark Adair are desperate to raise the money to get Joshua the operation he needs.

On hearing about Joshua's story on ITV, Andrew set about organising a large-scale fundraising event complete with a concert, disco and bingo.

More than 200 people are expected at "Dosh for Josh" at Waterhead Rugby Club on Friday.

The loving organiser has undertaken the ambitious task from his home as he suffers from a rare disease which leaves him practically house-bound.

He said: "I'm registered disabled but my situation is not as bad as Joshua's.

"I don't believe people should have to suffer the way they do and I think people should help each other.

"I think Joshua has every right to live a normal life."

Andrew's condition ­- hypophosphatemic osteomalacia ­- a rare metabolic bone disease, causes his bones to break if it gets too cold, which means he sometimes collapses without warning.

The form of arthritis, which he has had from birth, worsens over time. The disease is now affecting his shoulders and he has lost movement in his neck.

Andrew has had two hip replacements and two knee replacements and is reliant on both a walking frame and Ring and Ride service for getting around. He has four carers from Safe Hands Support Services visit every day.

One carer, Tony Roscoe, said: "Andrew knows a lot of people and he gets people from his church on board. Once he gets something in his head he will go the full way to get it done."

Amanda said: "Andrew has been absolutely amazing considering the condition he has got himself.

Grateful

"He is an amazing person and we are very grateful for all the work he is doing to raise awareness and raise money."

Joshua and his family will attend the event in Peach Road where Andrew with help from friends at St Edward's R C Church in Lees has organised a pie supper, music by Gerry Kearns and fellow musicians, stand-up bingo, play your cards right and a raffle.

Businesses Antony Byrom Butchers, ZigZag Hair Design, Steven Caine Hairdressing and Tesco Extra on Huddersfield Road have kindly donated prizes.

Neil Faragher, of St Edward's, said: "Despite his own disability Andrew wants to help other people. He has a very caring attitude. He doesn't just think about himself."

Doors open for the event at 7.30pm. Tickets can be bought on the door for £5.

Visit www.gofundme.com/joshuaburnsadair to donate to Joshua's cause.