By Emma Xerri
At only 17 years old, Berwick resident Josh Close is taking on more than most.
After being hit by a 4WD while riding his e-scooter to work, a traumatic brain injury saw Josh in an induced coma for three weeks, with the family unsure if their son and brother was going to be okay.
“The first three weeks when Josh was in the ICU was the scariest time of my life,” Josh’s father, Shaun Close said.
“When we got the call in the morning, I immediately knew something bad had happened to him.
“You can prepare for someone passing, but trauma is a completely different experience.
“My wife and I couldn’t eat or sleep, but the social workers at the Alfred Hospital really made sure we did so we could be strong for Josh when he came out of the coma.”
Now at the Alfred Health Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, Josh is passing his memory and speech tests with flying colours.
And having received the go ahead to start more stimulation and more physio in the main gym, Josh is well on his way to learning to walk again, determined to get back to what he loves doing: running.
“His determination and his mentality is just amazing. Ever since he’s woken up he’s been ready to go,” Mr Close added.
“He’s doing some speech therapy at the moment and he did some physio this morning with a bit of walking using the rails.
“Last week he wasn’t able to open his left hand, and this week he’s been able to open up and lift his hand over his shoulder. So, since last week he has been improving every day.
“The plan is to get him home, the timing just depends on the goals they set with him.
“He’s always saying to them ‘I’m gonna run’, but he needs to walk first.”
As an enthusiastic member of the Berwick Waters parkrun group, with over 43 parkruns on his belt, Josh was excited to take the next step in his running journey, eager to take part in Melbourne’s Run for the Kids, before braving the Melbourne Marathon.
While Josh’s plans have temporarily been put on hold, the support from those close to him have allowed those dreams to live on, with his friends doing Run for the Kids in his honour.
Josh’s running mentor and former teacher Tom Price is also doing what they both love to raise money for Josh and his family by running 100km.
But the support from those outside Josh’s close circle has been the most surprising for the family, who have received more than $18,000 in donations on GoFundMe to go towards their goal of $100,000.
“Josh has always been a very outgoing kid. He would hang out with friends, go to church, attend youth group and go for runs.
“But since the accident, I’ve really learnt just how much love and respect people from his community have for him.
“A lot of people that work with him, and even people in the wider community, have reached out and put money towards it.
“The support we have received from the local community has been sensational.
“We haven’t got a car, so this money is something that will help us get him to his appointments in the future.
“We are just so overwhelmed by the support. It has blown me and my wife away.
“Josh knows it’s going to be a long road to get there again, but he will do it.”
To donate to Josh’s GoFundMe, visit gofundme.com/f/josh-closes-recovery-fund, or search Josh’s Recovery Fund.
