Give Joshua the send off he deserves.

On the 8th of May 2023, we unfortunately lost our beloved Joshua at 24 years old due to complications with his heart. The space left in his absence will never be replaced as he was a soul that touched the hearts of many - and never hesitated to help those in need.

Some of you may know Joshua from his appearance on Educating the East End which aired in 2014. He was a candidate to become Head Boy of Frederick Bremer School and went on to win, gaining the admiration of those across the country, and eventually even across the world!

Joshua loved experiencing things with others and enjoyed life by spending time with his family, friends and the church community.

In 2020, Joshua was admitted to Whipps Cross Hospital - being transferred to Bartholomew Hospital and then finally Royal Papworth Hospital after that. To save Joshua's life, he had to have a life-altering heart transplant surgery due to a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy, leading to the muscle walls of his heart stretching and his heart enlarging. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, albeit leaving a difficult road ahead for Joshua.

But despite this, he lived his life to the fullest and never let this limit what he was capable of achieving. Determined through everything, Joshua strived for success and continued his studies at Canterbury Christ Church University, even completing uni assignments in hospital via his laptop when possible!

This determination allowed him to keep moving forward and eventually graduate from university and work as a diagnostic radiographer. A goal of Joshua's was to help others combat cardiac conditions, not wanting others to struggle in the way that he did. His willingness to continually help others through his work regardless of his own past experiences shows only a fraction of his selfless nature, and we are forever grateful that he was a part of our lives.

During this difficult time, we'd like to support the family in any way that we can and help them with the heavy burden of having to bury a loved one at such a young age. Funds collected for this campaign will go directly to Joshua's father Lloyd Russell - who is the beneficiary of this campaign and asked that it be made on the family's behalf. These funds will cover the overall funeral cost that has been given to the family by funeral directors.

Thank you so much for your love, kindness and support.