Parents’ bid to repay hospice that looked after tragic tot Joshua

A COUPLE from Farnborough are hoping to raise more than £15,000 for a children’s hospice that cared for their baby boy.

Joshua Cullinane was looked after by Demelza House Children’s Hospice before he died in March 2011, aged four-and-a-half-months.

Doctors diagnosed him with X Linked Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy – an extremely rare neurological condition which can only be tested for in the UK at St Thomas’ Hospital, London.

Mum and dad Kelly and Lawrence Cullinane, of Farnborough village, are now holding a series of fundraising events, culminating in a twist on the Three Peaks Challenge.

“The last few months of Joshua’s life were spent at Demelza, where we were overwhelmed by the exceptional care and support,” explained Lawrence, pictured with Joshua.

“As a way of acknowledging our thanks and ensuring that the exceptional care can continue, we are aiming to raise £15,000 for the hospice.”

On March 29, 2012, a year to the day that Joshua passed away, Lawrence and a group of five friends will climb the three peaks in reverse, leaving the highest, Ben Nevis, until last.

They also plan to cycle the 475 miles between the peaks – all within 72 hours.

Other planned fundraising events include a sponsored cycle around West Kent on January 22 and an evening at the Thames Rowing Club on February 16.