Joe’s story
Joe has always loved sports but couldn’t join in due to mobility challenges. After intensive surgery and physiotherapy, he’s now determined to use his recovery to tackle homelessness in Eastleigh.
'Hi, my name is Joe, and I am ten years old. I live in Eastleigh with my family, and I’m challenging myself to raise £1000 for Fledge with a Junior Triathlon.
It breaks my heart to see people living on the streets in Southampton and Eastleigh. I have a warm bed, clean clothes, and food whenever I need it, but the people I see have none of these things and it’s just not right. It really upsets me to see anyone live like this
They have none of the home comforts I have. They keep their few belongings in plastic bags, and they are cold, hungry, and scared. At night, they struggle to sleep, worried about their safety. It really breaks my heart seeing people live like this, especially young people who should have a bright future. I can’t imagine not having my family and friends. I don’t want anyone to go to bed tonight and wake up with nothing tomorrow.
FLEDGE does an amazing job supporting young people in Eastleigh. One of their houses is on my road, and I see young people there learning to start new lives. Fledge’s work is really crucial. My target is to raise £1000 to help them change more lives.
I have always felt strongly about homelessness and often give money to people on the streets, but I want to make a bigger difference, especially in my own community. Instead of a simple fundraiser, I chose a triathlon to really challenge myself.
Three years ago, I couldn’t walk properly because my calf muscles were too tight. I had to wear splints every day to stretch the muscles, which was tiring. I chose some cool patterns for my splints, but I couldn’t join in with my friends a lot of the time, or wear normal shoes, and I had physiotherapy three times a day, as well as a lot of special appointments. Sometimes, it was really painful. After surgeries and plaster casts, I used a wheelchair and then a frame while I was healing. I had coloured plaster casts and then new splints to wear, which I had to keep on for 23 hours every day. In May 2022, I wore normal shoes and socks for the first time since I was a toddler. My family was so proud when I left whole footprints in the sand on holiday. Now, I can do everything my friends can and I love sports, especially swimming, biking and running, but I couldn’t decide which one was my favourite for a fundraiser. A triathlon means I can do all three in one! Thank you so much for your support'
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