Joseph Kendrick was born on 9 May 2009 and, within days, his family’s world changed completely when he was diagnosed with Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH), an ultra-rare, life-limiting genetic metabolic condition.
Paul and Emma were initially told their baby boy was unlikely to survive beyond his first few days.
Seventeen years later, Joe is still here.
Anyone who knows Joe knows the personality behind the story too. His smile, his determination and his unmistakable character have been at the heart of Joseph’s Goal from the very beginning.
The boy behind Joseph’s Goal
Joseph’s diagnosis ultimately led his family to establish Joseph’s Goal in 2012, determined to raise awareness of NKH and fund research that could give children affected by the condition a better future.
Since then, a remarkable community has grown around him.
Friends, family, Wigan Athletic supporters, businesses, runners, walkers, cyclists, footballers and fundraisers have taken on challenges large and small in Joe’s name.
That support has enabled Joseph’s Goal to raise more than £1.3 million and help fund vital research into NKH.
But behind every fundraising total, research project and Joseph’s Goal event is the same reason it all began.
Joe.
Seventeen years of Joe
Over the years, Joe has become a familiar and much-loved face across Wigan and beyond.
From his unforgettable appearance as Wigan Athletic’s mascot at Wembley for the 2013 FA Cup Final to the thousands of people who have worn a Joseph’s Goal wristband, attended an event or taken on a challenge for the charity, his story has touched an extraordinary number of lives.
His 17th birthday therefore gave us another opportunity simply to celebrate him.
We spend much of our time talking about fundraising, research and the work still to be done for families affected by NKH.
Sometimes, though, it is important to stop and remember where all of this started.
With one little boy.
Happy 17th Birthday, Joe.
Here’s to you. ❤️
