WHO says “13” is unlucky?

Certainly not the delighted family of disabled Bury youngster Joshua Wilson who are celebrating after beating their £13,000 fundraising target for a brain tumour charity set up in his name.

In August, they launched a “Challenge 13” initiative to coincide with Joshua’s 13th birthday.

Numerous events were staged nationwide to raise £13,000 for the new Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity, and proved so successful that the final total was £13,450.

Joshua, of Walshaw Road, Bury, who attends Elms Bank High School, in Whitefield, was diagnosed with a brain stem tumour at the age of three.

Following brain surgery, he was left with complex neuromuscular disabilities.

Over the years, the public generously helped fundraise to help pay for special equipment and house adaptations.

Funding could not be provided via the Disabled Living Allowance as Joshua has two homes, splitting each week between mum, Dawn, and dad, Colin.

Following the completion of £28,000 worth of major house adaptation work in the summer, his family launched his charity to help other children and families in a similar position.

“Challenge 13” kickstarted the fundraising and events included a Three Peak Challenge, a golf memorial day, a Barclays fundraising day, Leeds to Liverpool canal bike rides and a 13-hour Superhero crawl, in addition to donations.

Other events were: n First Bus drivers, engineers and managers took part in a video to recreate an online dance craze to promote Joshua’s charity. The madcap (Harlem) Shake for Joshua production was put together by Bury bus driver and amateur film maker Tino Festa. And the First bus company and union Unite both made donations to the charity, totalling £6,000.

n Kindhearted couple Lou and Andre Keen completed a 14,000ft parachute jump in the Lake District to raise more than £700.

n Two sponsored superhero fancy dress zumbathons at the Longfield Suite, in Prestwich, and Radcliffe Civic Hall generated £950.

Hailing the success of “Challenge 13”, Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity chairman Keith Fraser said: “It’s fantastic news that the public have got behind Josh and helped him to smash his fundraising target.”

Charity founder and Joshua’s mum, Dawn, said: “This is just the best news for our charity.

“It's incredible how everyone has been so supportive and generous, helping Josh surpass his £13,000 target.”

Sky TV presenter Kay Burley, charity patron, said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated and given support and huge cheers for Dawn’s boundless energy.”

The fundraising campaign will continue throughout 2013 with the aim of reaching £20,000 by New Year’s Day n For more information about the charity and how to donate or get involved: visit joshwilsoncharity.org.uk