I don't know if Helen remembers me, but in the summer of 2013 I was a volunteer at New Wine festival, supporting children with additional needs to access the games, worship and have a full, fun time.

During that week, I had the privilege of supporting and spending time with Joshua. I was 25 at the time and going through some struggles in my life, and I can't really put into words the deep impact Joshua had on my life. He was the sweetest boy and that week I honestly felt his humour, his love for others and his determination to live fully shine through. It was such a gift to get to know him and see through the physical challenges he faced to who he was inside. In the face of my own struggles and doubts in life, the time spent hanging out with Joshua and seeing his love of life gave me more than he probably knew!! Even in the short time I knew him, he obviously had a deep gift for connecting with people and helping them feel loved and seen.

Helen, you also gave me a postcard on the last day encouraging me and giving back as a parent- I don't think you realised also what a gift that was. I have had the postcard pinned to my corkboard for the last 9 years, and the other day I was thinking about Joshua and thought to search and see if I could contact you to pass on my thanks. I was deeply saddened to hear of Joshua's passing and I cannot imagine your grief, but I wanted in some small way to reach out and let you know how he touched people's lives, even in the most unexpected of ways with a stranger he met for a week!

Thank you x Lydia, the volunteer with Our Place (Helen you gave me a green ring on the last day)