As teams strive for success and dominance in the world of football, sometimes we forget the simple joy that the game can bring. But for 12-year-old Josh Pearce from Townsville, a three year battle with leukaemia has not dulled his passion for the game.
After being diagnosed with leukaemia in February of 2007, Josh went through three years of chemotherapy, with monthly trips to Brisbane necessary as part of his rehabilitation.
Mere months after beginning chemotherapy, Josh attended an Arsenal Soccer Schools clinic in Townsville that was being run by current Sunshine Coast Fire coach Aston Bell.
Josh’s dad Clay spoke to Aston about all that his son had been through in the months after diagnosis, and how he had recovered from the initial rounds of chemotherapy. After having an adverse reaction to one of the chemotherapy drugs, Josh’s system began to shut down and he lost strength in his arms and legs, making it difficult for him to learn to walk again.
Aston was amazed by Josh’s resilience.
“If you saw how he approached his training, you would never have known he was ill or that he could barely walk two weeks prior,” Aston said.
Josh’s story was so remarkable that Aston felt he had to share it.
“With his parent’s permission, I shared Josh’s story with the other 50 kids and their parents.”
More than three years have now passed since Josh’s diagnosis, and Aston continued to correspond with him as he progressed through his rehabilitation.
Before last weekend’s Sunshine Coast Fire match that was played in Townsville, Aston received an email from Josh’s mum Tracy, informing him that the major fight had been won and Josh’s chemotherapy was completed.
After hearing the news, Aston called Josh to ask if he would like to act as the Sunshine Coast Fire’s mascot for the match against the NQ Razorback’s that weekend, and spend some time with the team.
Josh’s mum Tracy said that Josh enjoyed spending time with the Fire.
“Josh loved being a part of the Fire last weekend. He enjoyed watching the game from the coach’s chair and sitting with Aston. He also enjoyed warming up with the players before the match. All the guys were fantastic and very gracious,” Tracy said.
Aston addressed his players before the match and told them Josh’s story.
“Before kick-off I gathered the squad in the dressing room and we spoke about showing real character, the challenges we face in sport and life, and being prepared to accept such challenges and fight to give your best. Like me, the players were in awe of Josh.”
Josh continues to play football, and was recently selected for his first junior representative team. Tracy said that a love of the game has kept him playing throughout his rehabilitation.
“He has played soccer since the age of 6 and only had one year off during the worst of his treatment, but was right into it again the following season,” Tracy said.
Josh and his family hope to attend the Sunshine Coast Fire’s next away match in Mareeba, to be played at 8pm on May 15 at Borzi Park.
In North Queensland, the Sunshine Coast Fire have a new #1 Fan.
Kane Frampton
