A BRAIN tumour charity set up by the family of disabled Bury boy Joshua Wilson has smashed its first year fundraising target in less than six months.

Since its launch in August to coincide with Joshua’s 13th birthday, the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity has generated a total of £53,680 through fundraising events and donations.

The figure has leapt over the charity’s £50,000 target for its first year.

Funds raised will be used to improve the lives of children like Joshua with brain tumours and post surgery disabilities, while hospitals will also benefit.

Joshua’s mum and charity founder, Dawn Fidler said: “We are totally overwhelmed by everyone’s support. It’s just amazing the amount we’ve raised so far.

“Josh has been able to help families who have children with brain tumours with their travel and hospital expenses. We know how vital this support is as our recent stay in hospitals in December cost almost £400 in food, travel and parking.”

Thanks to the charity, the Royal Bolton Hospital children’s ward and high dependency unit will receive an entertainment package for play therapy while a similar gift, aimed at teenagers, will be donated to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Among the items are iPads, DVD players, DVDs and an Xbox. Dawn became aware of the need for such equipment when her son was a patient there last year.

The same hospital will also receive equipment for its oncology and respiratory departments.

Additionally, the charity is helping Birmingham Children’s Hospital by raising £10,000 for a family room that will be part of the new children’s cancer unit.

Added Dawn: “On behalf of his charity, Josh would like to say huge thank you. None of this would be possible without the amazing generosity, support and donations we’ve received.”

The fundraising was boosted by a further £570 last Sunday thanks to a successful ‘winter warmer’ event hosted by Victoria Kay, owner of the Barista Cafe Bar on The Rock, Bury.

n Donations can be made to the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity by texting SJBT13 followed by £1, £2, £5 or £10 to 70070. For more details: visit the website joshwilsoncharity.org.uk.