When little Joseph Yeandle lost his valiant fight to a rare childhood cancer, his parents vowed that their son’s radiance would continue to help other children who found themselves in a similar situation.
As a result Katy and James today launched Joseph’s Smile, a charity aimed at helping families who have to raise funds for their child’s medical treatment that is currently unavailable on the NHS.
“The moment we lost Joseph, we vowed to build upon the legacy that he’d built during his little life,” said his mother Katy, from her home in Brynamman.
“Joseph brought so much joy, inspiration and strength to all around him and we vowed we’d do everything in our power to help families deal with the treatment process which will enable them to spend precious time with their children. This was something we didn't get with Joseph, but we hope that the time can now be given to others who are in similar situations.”
Joseph's mother has been working around the clock to fulfil that promise and today (Thursday), the family launched the first phase of Joseph’s Smile.
Their aim is to offer a grant system and support network for families who are organising a fundraising campaign; by collaborating with ‘The Tree of Hope’ and the ‘Solving Kids’ Cancer’ charities they will be able to offer grant funding to support them throughout their treatment and also provide advice on how their complex journeys should proceed.
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“Joseph's Smile will be launched in two phases,” explained Katy. “Initially we will be establishing the infrastructure and legal framework while the second phase will take us into a registered charity. But we’re thrilled to say that all the legal requirements are now in place which means we can accept donations and fundraisers and we’re confident that the official launch will take place in the next month.
“At the end of the day, all those children need supporting sooner rather than later, which is why Joseph’s Smile is here. Setting it up is what’s moved me forward and kept me going these last few months. I know that together we can make a big different to so many children as well as their families.”
Joseph’s Smile is available for children up to the age of 25. Further information can be found at www.JosephsSmile.org
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