In January last year, Joshua, an 18-year-old from Berwick, experienced a life-changing event when he was struck by a 4WD and sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As a result of the accident, Josh fell into a three-week coma and endured a significant duration of post-traumatic amnesia. But despite the severity of his initial condition, he displayed remarkable resilience which meant Josh was recovering quickly and could be discharged from the hospital.

During his rehabilitation, Josh received comprehensive support from a multidisciplinary team. He benefited from Occupational Therapy, which helped him regain independence in daily activities; Physiotherapy, crucial for his physical recovery and mobility; and Speech Pathology, which addressed communication or cognitive challenges.

Always a passionate runner, Josh believed his dream of running a marathon was over. However, his determination to return to his passion became a key motivator in his recovery. Through nothing but sheer resilience and grit, Josh put in the hard work and successfully completed the Melbourne Marathon just nine months after his accident. 

While he is unable to return to his previous work, Josh has been actively exploring new job opportunities and hopes to find something that involves working with kids. His love for running continues to be a central part of his life; actively participating in run clubs and Parkrun events. Demonstrating his community spirit and passion for sport, Josh is also volunteering with the North Melbourne Football Club (NMFC), assisting with training sessions and running water for the team.

Josh’s recovery journey has been significantly bolstered by the support of his friends, who have played a vital role in his rehabilitation and morale. His goals reflect his drive to reclaim his life fully: returning to running, returning to sport, and returning to work.