Blue Wave hydrotherapy complex in Margate is hosting a 100 hour swim to raise funds for Ramsgate’s Joe Shaw, who was attacked and left with brain damage last year.
The event, to be held on June 1, aims to raise cash to help his family make home adaptions so he can finally come from the rehabilitation centre in Herne Bay which is currently caring for him.
The event will take place between 9am and 7pm and 30 minute swim slots, with a suggested donation of £5, can be booked.
Sign up at the reception of the Victoria Road venue or find the facebook page here
Joe, 25, was seriously assaulted on March 17 last year in Ramsgate town centre. He was initially taken to a local hospital but was then transferred to Kings College Hospital in London, At first Joe was heavily sedated and in the critical care unit in a coma, breathing through a ventilator.
At the time of the attack Joe was in Ramsgate for a visit after his visa ran out in Australia. The self-employed plasterer had only been back in the UK for 4 weeks and was raising money return to Oz.
Liam Bayliss, 24, was jailed for four years and three months for the attack on Joe.
The severity of Joe’s injuries have left him unable to walk, speak or complete many basic tasks for himself. He currently communicates by spelling words out on a letter board with his right index finger but is determined to regain his speech.
Joe is due to undergo an operation in mid-April to have his skull re-formed. He is on the verge of going home but the family have to raise money for adaptions to make their property suitable for him.
Amongst the equipment needed are a wet room, a motorised wheelchair, nutrition and physio therapy support.
Joe’s battle and his positive spirit have won the support of Broadstairs teaching assistant and carer Vicki Holden, who is running 100 miles to raise funds, and The Britannia in Margate which is arranging a fundraising quiz night.
If anyone would like to donate to Joe’s fund and Vicki’s sponsored run go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/v-holden100-mile-run-for-joe