Josh Brooks

My Story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my fundraising page. I am Josh Brooks and I am 15 years old and will be 16 when I take part in the Hathersage Hilly Triathlon on the 19th July 2020. I am doing this in aid of Cancer Research in memory of my Mum Claire who died of breast cancer in November 2014. I have never done a triathlon before and I am determined to do it. I was born with autism, albeit on the lower end of the spectrum, but I have managed to overcome a number of my issues especially dexterity and co-ordination through running, swimming and cycling. I lived with my Mum and older sister Harriet in Derby. I was only 2 years old in 2006 when my Mum first developed Breast Cancer. During the years that followed my Mum underwent a number of operations and chemotherapy treatments to remove the cancer and hopefully to make her better. In 2013 my Mum developed a brain tumour which was in-operable. The tumour slowly and gradually affected my Mum's mobility, her speech, sight and other senses causing mum to be wheelchair bound in the final months of her life, it made me very sad. My Mum died in November 2014. It was a terrible time for me and my family during and after my Mum’s illness. During my Mum’s final months and following her death my sister and I lived with my Aunt and Uncle. After my Mum died we moved away from Derby to start a new life in Bakewell. It has been tough losing my Mum and having Autism, but I want to make a difference to other children’s mums who may develop breast cancer and hope that my small contribution will keep them alive so that they and their children do not have to experience the sadness and loss that my sister my family and I have endured. Please help me by making a small contribution to my cause. Thank You