Help young Joe with his rehabilitation.

Hi

My name is Darren (Dazz) and I’m looking to raise funds to help out my “adopted” Son, Joe with his ongoing medical therapies in the hope that one day he may walk again in some capacity.

Joe and his families lives were devastated by an absolute freak accident as Joe was just starting out his new life in Perth, Australia. Whilst visiting an isolated beach on the 1st April 2024 along with his new found mate, Ben.

Unknowingly Joe dived into a wave where there was a hidden sand bank, the result of which Joe fractured his C4/C5 neck vertebrae, not that Joe knew this at the time but he did realise that he couldn’t move as he was tossed around in the Indian Ocean. Joe thought that he was going to die there and then, not having led the dream life he’d envisaged as a young boy. Ben immediately came to Joe's rescue and with all his mite, kept Joe afloat on his back, however, unable to get him to the relative safety of the beach due to the waves crashing around them. Fortunately a passer-by assisted Ben to get Joe to shore. Joe died on that beach. Realising the situation, without thought, Ben performed and continued to perform CPR until Paramedics arrived via an Air Ambulance and took over.

Joe spent several months in hospital with his family by his side day and night.

Joe eventually got back “home” to the UK in October of 2024, leaving behind his dream home in Oz.

His determination to get the best out of his life is something else, an inspiration to us all. Joe has dreams and knowing Joe, he will fulfil them to his very best, he’s an adventurous young man and nothing, nothing will stop him. Joe visits an adapted Gym where he works out with vigorous energy in an effort to get the most out of his new body so that he’s able to independently venture as far as possible.

As previously mentioned, Joe is an absolute inspiration to many but most importantly to me. I walked into a hospital for major surgery back in November 2024 and two weeks later I walked back out again, with Joe in mind.

This was made possible with the most incredible skill, help and support from my Consultants and the nursing staff at the RVI Newcastle. I am also hugely blessed with the most incredible love and support from my beautiful wife Marie and my four beautiful daughters, Beth, Laura, Emily and Hollie, not to mention my amazing friends, thank you X

Joe has inspired me to get up every waking day and move! This leads me to my challenge. I am running/walking the Great North Run this September to raise the funds that Joe so desperately needs to realise his dreams. This years run will be even more of a challenge to me personally as my ageing body, in particular, my knees let me down (not to mention the two bags I’ll be carrying along the way - LOL) but if I have to walk, I will and Joe will be by my mental side all of the way.

This story gives me an opportunity to acknowledge Joe’s parents Adam, Helen and their respective partners, Ruth and Jon and his brother Sam, without their love and support, Joe would be living in a very different world.

I would also like to personally thank the Royal British Legion in making Joe’s trip home a safe and comfortable one. To also thank the most amazing medical staff that saved and cared for Joe, not forgetting Ben, the hero of the day. And lastly but by no means the least, my very special friends Paul and Ellie, a pair of loving rocks who helped Joe’s family settle into their new daily routine. I love and miss you both. X

Please help me in any way that you can to keep that beautiful smile on that beautiful face of Joe Chestock.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, it’s from my heart.

Joe was told that he would never walk again, let’s give Joe hope……

Dazz G

X

PS the photo of little Joe in a Toon top along with Adam, Sam, Laura, Hollie and me will make him smile I’m very sure X