Demelza raffle named in memory of Joshua's trademark thumbs up

Demelza’s Thumbs Up Raffle, which launched last week, is named in honour of Joshua who sadly died from a rare form of bone and soft tissue cancer in 2024, just before his 13th birthday.

In April 2022, Joshua was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, which only affects around 25 children a year in the UK. He was in year six and had been looking forward to starting at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, but then everything stopped.

Joshua’s parents, Donna and Duncan Barrier, say they were thrown into an alien world of scans, tests, biopsies and medication, spending almost 300 nights in various hospitals. 

Joshua endured more than 20 rounds of chemotherapy, two major surgeries, more than 30 sessions of radiotherapy, around 100 blood transfusions, four stays in intensive care, emergency dialysis and contracted sepsis numerous times.

Donna said: “Despite everything, Joshua didn’t complain once. In many ways, he kept us going.

“He lost the ability to walk three times and showed endless strength getting back on his feet. Even when Joshua felt so poorly, he’d still give us a thumbs up, which soon became his trademark.”

After 10 months of treatment, in January 2023 the family got the news the cancer had gone and they embraced life, making up for lost time. But heartbreakingly, just six months later, Joshua’s cancer returned aggressively and despite every effort, there was no more treatment available. He died just four days before he turned 13. 

The family was supported by Demelza in the week leading up to Joshua’s death. They were given the time and space to make the most of their remaining time together, carrying out some memory making including hand-castings, which Donna and Duncan treasure today. They were also able to spend time with Joshua after his death in Demelza’s bereavement suite. 

Donna said: “Joshua had so desperately wanted to be a teenager, but his cancer was just too aggressive.

“In the last week of his life, we met some of Demelza’s wonderful staff. After we lost Joshua, we were given the chance to make use of the bereavement suite which is a place of calm, care and kindness where we and our family and friends could say goodbye in our own time, surrounded by people who truly understood.

“We were able to spend a few extra days with Joshua and were wrapped in care by the team there. Being there also meant we got to spend time with him on his birthday, which meant the world to us.”

Donna and Duncan are still supported by Demelza, attending memorial events and bereavement cafes where they can meet other parents who understand and can share memories and talk about their children.

Demelza’s Thumbs Up raffle gives players the chance to win up to £5,000. Entries are just £1 and you can enter the raffle online in just a few clicks.

Donna said: “We feel honoured our wonderful boy has inspired Demelza’s raffle, so please play today.

“Joshua always found a smile so we’re sure he’d ask you to give a big thumbs up and share Demelza’s extraordinary care with many more children and families who need it.”