The godmother of a 20-year-old who died in a freak accident this summer is walking five miles every day in September to raise funds for the hospital unit which cared for him.
Linzi Wallace is raising the money to help families going through similar trauma that which she faced when she learned Josh McKee had come off his motorbike after aquaplaning in heavy rain on the way to his new home in Leyland.
Josh spent four weeks on the Critical Care Unit at Royal Preston Hospital after the crash before he died on 2 July this year.
Read more: Well-used city centre car park recommended for closure order after operating without permission
Linzi, who is best friends with Josh’s mum Sheena, said: “For four weeks following the accident, everyone on the Critical Care Unit did everything they could to get Josh back home. In Sheena’s words, from the receptionist through to the nurses, doctors and consultants, they looked after him like he was their own but Josh passed on 2 July as his body just couldn’t cope anymore.
“Josh worked for Currys. He and his brother Nathan, who is a 22-year-old prison officer, had put money their dad Michael, who passed away in 2022, had left them into buying their house in Leyland. Josh was going there when his bike hit water and glided. He loved motorbikes. He also liked rugby league. Josh, Nathan and my son Caleb all used to play rugby league together at Leigh East Rugby Club.”
Linzi will be walking solo with her two dogs for company on some days, whereas on others she will be joined by Sheena and friends from Slimming World.
Josh leaves behind his mother Sheena, brother Nathan, stepdad Andrew, younger brothers Matthew and George and younger sisters Emily and Gabby.
Lucy Clark, fundraiser at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, said: “We have all been so touched and saddened by Josh’s story. We are incredibly grateful to Linzi and Josh’s family in Leigh for taking on this fundraising challenge while still very much in the throes of shock and grief.
“Staff working on the Critical Care Unit will tell us what to buy with the funds raised but whatever that is, it will be equipment that will be a fitting tribute to Josh.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
