Isle of Wight man is about to embark on 13 events over 13 months of fundraising for Mountbatten Isle of Wight, in memory of his mum.
Former young carer turned personal trainer, Josh Langan, is marking his 21st birthday with a series of themed challenges, designed to push him to his physica limit.
He is hoping to raise £10,000 for the Island’s hospice.
Starting at his mum’s favourite beach
Josh’s first challenge takes place on Sunday, 26th April, when he will walk 21km, starting at Shanklin beach (his mum’s favourite place) and finishing at Mountbatten Isle of Wight, in Newport.
Carrying the weight at 14
When Josh was aged just 14 years old, his mum, Sam, died in the care of Mountbatten. He remembers trying to stay strong for her,
“The emotional weight of when there’s a family member in the hospice is a lot to carry.
“When my mum was originally referred, it was for rehab but we knew she didn’t have long.”
Going bigger than ever at 21
Now, Sam is Josh’s inspiration to run, walk, climb and swim. He says,
“I’ve always been one to do absolutely crazy things — wake up and go, ‘right, let’s go for it’.
“Since my mum died, I’ve tried to mark her memory each year, by taking on a personal challenge to raise money and awareness for Mountbatten. Two years ago, I woke up on a Saturday morning and thought, ‘I’m going to Walk the Wight’ and it’s gone from there.
“Over the past couple of years life and other commitments made it difficult to do something properly. This year, I turn 21 years old and it feels like the right moment to go bigger than ever.”
Mountbatten’s expert staff provided compassion and dignity to Sam and offered emotional support to Josh and his family. He says he felt seen, protected and cared-for.
What the year ahead holds
Other plans to raise vital fund for Mountbatten’s 24/7 care and support including public charity bootcamps, a 50km coastal walk (Cowes to Ventnor), and 21-hour continuous fitness challenge.
How to support Josh’s challenge
To donate and for more information visit Josh’s fundraising page.
Mountbatten Isle of Wight Community Fundraiser, Harri McNeil, said,
“Josh’s plans sound amazing and a lot of hard work. We are looking forward to supporting him on his fundraising journey and can’t wait to see what he achieves.
“Thanks to people like Josh, vital funds are raised for Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s 24/7 care, 85 per cent of which is delivered in people’s homes and the rest through our inpatient unit and day services at the John Cheverton Centre.
“Most of the funding we need comes from our community – thanks to brilliant people like Josh, alongside donations, grants and through our network of charity shops. A huge good luck from our fundraising team!”
News shared by Josh, in his own words. Ed
