At Baby Squids Devon, we are lucky to witness the wonder of little ones growing confident in the water, as you know we really do love our jobs. But every so often, something happens that reminds us just how fragile, precious, and deeply brave these young lives truly are.
Today, we want to share the story of one of our young swimmers, Josh —a bright, bubbly 2.5-year-old boy who is part of our Baby Squids family. His journey in the pool began like so many others, first kicks, playful giggles, proud parents cheering from the poolside. But recently, his journey took an unexpected and devastating turn.
Just weeks ago, this little boy was diagnosed with a Stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that has formed a tumour on his right kidney. Josh is just two and a half.
As we write this, Josh’s days are no longer filled with songs and floats and duck dives—they are filled with hospital corridors, chemotherapy drips, and the quiet courage only small children and superheroes seem to possess.
And so we would love to ask our lovely community to help us take just a little bit of action so we can all become Superheroes for a week!
From Splashes to Scans: A Family’s World Turned Upside Down
It all happened quickly, as it so often does.
His parents noticed he wasn’t quite himself—tired, irritable, maybe a bit of a tummy ache. But it didn’t go away. And then came the appointments. The tests. The moment no parent should ever have to face.
The doctors found a large tumour on his right kidney. Neuroblastoma. Stage 4. High-risk. Three words that should never have to be spoken in the same breath as “toddler.”
Treatment began almost immediately and the months ahead will be tough and confusing, ultimately learning so much about the medical world—long hospital stays, immune suppression, hair loss, possible stem cell transplants, and more. His little body, still learning to jump and run and float, must now fight a battle that most adults would struggle to face.
And yet, Josh is fighting.
His parents, too, are fighting in the only way they can—by being there every second, holding his hand, wiping his tears, and praying for strength. But the emotional, physical, and financial toll is enormous.
That’s where we come in.
The Superhero Swim Week
During the week starting Monday 7th July, Baby Squids Devon will be hosting a Superhero Swim Week—a full week of swimming lessons, dress-ups, and fundraising, in support of this brave little boy and Josh’s family and a special local children’s cancer charity.
We would love all our swimmers and parents if they would like to!! To wear their favourite superhero costume over their swimsuits. Whether it’s a full on costume or a muslin around their shoulders we want to show this little one that he’s not fighting alone.
Because right now, Josh is the superhero.
And we get to be his sidekicks.
Throughout the week, we will collect donations using the links below.
All proceeds will go directly to the family—to help cover travel to specialist hospitals, accommodation, lost income, and the many unexpected costs that come with having a seriously ill child.
Sam’s place is run by young lives vs cancer.
Children and young people’s cancer is often treated in a specialist centre rather than the local hospital. That may be a long way from home, so at a time when families should only have to focus on their child or young person’s treatment, they’re worrying about the logistics and costs of getting to hospital, and where they’re going to stay close to them. This is one way we help with travel costs for cancer patients and their families.