World wishes miracle Josh a happy birthday (From Echo)

World wishes miracle Josh a happy birthday

3:00pm Monday 8th November 2010 in Local News By Jasmin McDermott

A DISABLED youngster who defied his doctors’ early prognosis will celebrate his fifth birthday with more than 1,000 cards and gifts.

Josh Tippett has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and 70 per cent brain damage as a result of his heart failing when his mum went into labour a month early.

Parents Karyn and Martin were told Josh had just 24 hours to live by doctors, but he has beaten the odds to reach the milestone birthday on Monday.

Since a Facebook campaign was set up by his granddad, Robert Clark, a month ago to try to break the record for the number of birthday cards received, his family have been inundated with huge bundles of colourful cards from America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Josh has also received a birthday card from Prime Minister David Cameron.

Well-wishers have also sent gifts including specially made clothing, flags and money to make sure he has a birthday to remember.

Mrs Tippett, 27, of Lincoln Chase, Southend, said: “I am surprised with how global it has become and how many people have sent a card through. It is very humbling.

“One man from Spain who sent a card is even organising a fundraiser to raise money for Josh. We are getting big bundles of post through every day.

“When we show him the cards that have his favourite characters on, like Toy Story, he smiles and his face lights up.”

Josh, who also has a heart condition called Ebstein's Anomaly, has received specialist treatment called the Scotson technique, which strengthens chest and stomach muscles to improve blood supply, nerve and muscle connections, as well as regular Botox injections.

The Kingsdown Special School pupil will be surrounded by friends and family, including his three-year-old sister Caitlyn, for a birthday party on Sunday at the Ambleside Club, Southend.