I am fundraising on behalf of Josh and his family during what is undoubtedly one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Josh is a 34-year old local man who is known by those around him as hardworking, polite, and kind hearted. He is currently battling a serious illness and remains in hospital undergoing treatment.

In April, Josh suffered a fall and shortly afterwards began to feel unwell. On 9th May, he attended Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr after developing black spots on his tongue and unexplained bruising on his arms. He was also experiencing body aches and shortness of breath.

Later that same day, Josh was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, where he was admitted and diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia.

Just two days after receiving this devastating diagnosis, Josh developed significant complications including a cerebral bleed. As part of emergency treatment, surgeons had to remove the left side of his skull to relieve pressure on his swollen brain.

Since then, Josh has faced further serious complications, including pneumonia, a stroke, and the need to have a trachea fitted. He remains in hospital undergoing chemotherapy. Although Josh is now awake, he is not yet speaking, and no one knows how long his recovery and rehabilitation journey may take.

This has been an incredibly traumatic and uncertain time for Josh, his partner, his mother, his siblings, and his wider family. Their focus right now is, understandably, on being by Josh's side and supporting him through every stage of his recovery.

We are hoping this fundraising page can help ease some of that pressure, allowing Josh's family to focus on what matters most, supporting Josh during his recovery and rehabilitation.

We also hope that by sharing Josh's story, we can help raise awareness of these symptoms and encourage others to seek medical advice if they experience anything similar. If you feel your concerns are not being adequately listened to, please do not be afraid to seek further medical attention and advocate for yourself.

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and will be deeply appreciated by Josh, his partner, his mother, his siblings, and his close family during this extremely difficult time.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.