Joseph’s Goal has been recognised in a very special and lasting way.
Joseph’s hand was chosen to feature on a prestigious donor wall at University College London.
Last summer, UCL got in touch with Emma Kendrick, Joseph’s mum.
At the time, Joseph’s Goal was continuing it’s support of research into Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH).
Emma received an invitation to have Joseph’s hand sculpted as part of a permanent installation celebrating some of the university’s most generous donors.
It was a proud and emotional moment for the family, and a powerful reminder of just how far Joseph’s Goal has come.
A Lasting Tribute at UCL
The art installation, created by Dr Sarah Fortais, features aluminium and bronze cast hands of around 60 UCL donors who have each given £1 million or more.
As part of the process, Sarah and Cameron travelled to Wigan to take a cast of Joseph’s hand ready for the donor wall.
Emma said:
“We had a lovely afternoon meeting Sarah and Cameron. Sarah even managed to take a cast of Joe’s brothers’ hands too, Sam and Tom.
“We created a bronze cast for Joe’s hand sculpture at UCL, and UCL has invited us to a celebration of Joe’s hand sculpture on the donor wall.
We are very excited about this and very proud of Joe.”
Supporting NKH Research
Joseph’s Goal was founded in 2012 by Paul and Emma Kendrick to help fund research into NKH.
NKH is the rare genetic condition Joseph was born with.
Since then, the charity has not only raised vital funds, but also built awareness across Wigan and beyond.
In turn, that support has helped researchers move closer to better treatments and, one day, a cure.
That support continues to make a real difference.
Joseph’s Goal continues to make a real difference. In its latest research update, UCL said it has made exciting progress in developing potential new treatments for NKH.
It includes work to find better ways to deliver healthy genes to the body, alongside other approaches that could help reduce the effects of the conditions.
The team says the project is moving forward well. In addition, further safety testing and funding applications are helping to take the research closer to the next stage.
For Joseph’s family, this tribute is a powerful symbol of the legacy Joseph continues to build and the hope that Joseph’s Goal has given to families affected by NKH.
From Wigan to UCL, Joseph’s story continues to leave a lasting mark
