DISABLED Bury youngster Joshua Wilson, whose smile and cheery disposition has won him legions of friends and fundraisers nationwide, is “very poorly” in intensive care following complications arising from a chest infection.

But despite earlier fears that the brave 13-year-old may not survive, Joshua has since rallied to bring renewed hope to his parents, Dawn and Colin, who are sharing bedside care with their son at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Yesterday Dawn said: “On Saturday, Josh’s doctors told us that we might lose him. They clearly don’t know what an incredible fighter my boy is.

“We are not home safe yet, but today we have his amazing smiles and his cheeky personality back.”

The teenager, affectionately nicknamed “Super Josh”, had earlier been treated at the North Manchester and Royal Bolton hospitals after developing the chest infection earlier this month. His breathing is being aided by a ventilator His mum added: “Josh is still very poorly in intensive care, but we have smiles. Maybe this is to do with a visit from his uncle Alex who flew home especially from New Zealand when he heard Josh was so poorly.”

Joshua, of Walshaw Road, was diagnosed with his first brain tumour in 2004 at the age of three and following complex surgery, due to the location of the tumour on the brain stem, was left with complex physical disabilities.

Over the years the public generously helped fundraise to help pay for special equipment and house adaptations. Following the completion of £28,000 worth of major house works in the summer, the boy’s family launched the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour charity to help other children and families in a similar position.

Explained Dawn: “It’s a complex chest infection caused by his post brain surgery scoliosis. His spine is now pressing on his lung, causing chronic chest-lung problems. He is on high powered anti-biotics.”

Writing on the Joshua’s Journey Facebook page, she stated: “Josh, of course, is being a complete hero and coping with his full face mask very well. He is so unbelievably strong and we’re so very proud of him.”