Brave five-year-old Joshua Joel Oakhill is sadly losing his battle to a rare form of soft tissue cancer rhabdomyosarcoma.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He has been creating a bucket list of wishes which friends, family and the community are helping him to complete.
Joshua hopes to re-create the video game Fortnite in real life (paintball), go on a boat, meet Paw Patrol, Batman and Lego man, go for a ride in a truck, and an Australia Post van.
Family friend Brooke Bowes said the community has been amazing.
My phone doesnt stop ringing, the amount of support from the community we have had behind him has been amazing.
Ms Bowes has compiled a book of contacts for Joshie to use on the days he is feeling fit enough for an activity.
Now he is feeling better and not in hospital, he can start ringing people to tick off a few things, she said.
Motorfest meet and greet at Pambula, Sunday, September 30
Joshie spent the day at Pambula Sports Complex for the bi-annual Motorfest.
He took a liking to the slides, jumping castles, reptiles and stunt bike riders.
A number of people at the event joined in an impromptu chicken dance for Joshie.
Joshie issues speeding driver a ticket, Friday, September 7
Acting sergeant Brad Ross organised a morning with highway patrol officers of Eden, Merimbula and Bega as well as Merimbula Airport staff to help make one of Joshies wishes come true.
Police showed Joshie how to use their speed radar, radio and other necessary equipment before taking to the tarmac for a surprise police chase simulation.
The speedy driver was breath-tested by Joshie and issued a ticket for speeding and not having his licence.
Could you have made my ticket a bit less officer? said the cheeky driver whilst offering a bribe.
See video below.
Australia Post welcome Joshie to the team, Thursday, September 6
Edens postmen surprised Joshie with a special delivery at his home on Moorhead Street this morning.
Parcel driver Nick Austin asked Joshie for his signature to collect his very own parcel. Inside was a special Australia Post vest to fit and some post shop toys.
The toy Australia Post van seemed to be Joshies favourite at first sight. Little did Joshie know he was about to go for a ride in the real one parked in the driveway.
Edens postman Jason Guthrie gave Joshie a tour of his postie bike before Mr Austin took Joshie for a whiz around the streets in the post van.
The Australia Post crew told Joshie he is more than welcome to help deliver parcels anytime in the future. Before saying goodbye, manager of the Wollongong operations Micheal Willemsen gave Joshie a departing gift on behalf of Australia Post.
The whole community is thinking of you Joshie as well as the Australia Post community. Eden Post, Bega and Merimbula Post put together some packs of goodies for you, Mr Willemsen said as he handed Joshie two bags filled with fun toys.
One special item popped out of the presents which was made especially for Joshie.
I know you have got a lot coming your way but here is a medal from the crew in Merimbula to say you are part of the team, Mr Willemsen said.
Joshie’s first day of school, Monday, August 27
Hannah White impressively rolled up with Joshua to Merimbula Public School wearing a proud smile, excited for her sons first day of big school.
Ms White said Joshua woke up a bit grumpy in the morning, and was not feeling one hundred percent.
Whilst waiting to meet with teachers, like any keen five-year-old, Joshua hit up the playground for a quick play.
I have to monitor his temperature, if it spikes above 38 degrees then we need to get straight to Bega Hospital, she said.
Unfortunately his school day was cut short, and news appeared that he was back in hospital.
Follow Joshuas Fight Against Cancer Facebook Page for updates on the little mans brave battle.
Eden Marine High School dance with Joshie, Friday, August 24
Eden Marine High welcomed Joshie to the school for a special chicken dance extravaganza!
Students clapping and chicken flapping filled the quadrangle as Joshie and his family joined in for his favourite dance.
First ride in a fire truck, Thursday, August 23
Merimbula Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer Sam McGovern drove Joshua around town in a fire truck, sounding the siren as they returned back to the station.
Which button did she press for that? Joshua curiously said.
Joshua was all smiles as he aimed the hose at a yellow rubber duck sitting on top of a traffic cone.