Josh's Darts Dream

About Josh

Josh is 12 years old and was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of two and he has limited speech and language. He can’t read and struggles with writing, however he comes into his own when he draws. He finds it difficult to regulate his emotions and struggles to identify and articulate his needs, so he is dependent on those he loves to provide him with comfort and reassurance. He uses visual cues and gestures to communicate his needs, and likes order and structure. He requires constant encouragement and prompting to follow through with a task and cannot be left unattended as he has no concept of risk and danger.

A special boy like Josh deserves a special dream...

About His Dream

Josh's main passion is undoubtedly darts! He loves everything about it, and spends all of his free time watching matches on TV and YouTube. His likes all the darts players, but his favourite is Michael Van Gerwen. He owns a host of merchandise (his favourite being a replica of MVG's shirt), and he even knows all the walk-on songs by heart!

Josh’s dream was of course to attend a Premier Darts event and sit right in the thick of it.

Josh's Dream Story

Dreams Come True booked tickets for Josh and his family to attend the 2023 Cazoo Premier League at The OVO Hydro in Glasgow in February, which featured most of the world's leading darts players.

His parents told Josh they were going but didn’t mention where they would be sitting in case there was a change, but they had fantastic seats at a table one row back from the front. Not that they needed them, because Josh was often on his feet, standing right at the barrier and offering a high five to all of the players as they walked on. He was often seen dancing in the aisles and joining in the chants!

Some moments of magic for Josh included featuring on Sky Sports wearing his iconic dartboard headgear, a member of the production team giving his a souvenir programme, and Wayne  Mardle , an English former professional darts player taking a photo with him and shaking his hand.

Moments of Magic, with Lasting Impact

Josh's Mum said that his dream: "Created some wonderful memories for Josh, he had the most amazing time, an absolute ball. Thank you, he’ll never forget it ‘

Help Us Help Children Like Josh

Did you know that we're the only UK wish granting charity that solely helps children living in the highest areas of deprivation? Every dream we offer is as unique as the child we are helping, and we couldn't do it without your support. Please consider donating so that we can continue to help children like Josh who have it tough.

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What we do

Dreams Come True is a national Children's Charity who exists to deliver dreams to children who have it tough. We believe every child has the right to dream, no matter who they are or where they live. More info
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We only accept referrals from medical, healthcare, or social care professionals. Applications are on a first come first served basis, to ensure that no child is waiting too long for delivery of their dream.
Who we support

To ensure we reach the children who deserve our attention the most, we work with children who are living in the highest areas of deprivation in the country, and are living with a disability, serious illness, or life-limiting conditions. More info
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Whether it's a break for a young cancer patient, a specially adapted trike for a child with cerebral palsy, a tablet to help an autistic teenager develop their communication skills, or a seriously ill child’s room makeover. Each dream brings a moments of magic and has a lasting impact for years to come. More info
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To ensure we reach the children who need our attention the most, we have a set eligibility criteria that must be met in order to have a dream come true.
How it works

We work exclusively with, and only manage dream referrals from, those who know the Dreamers best –medical, healthcare and social care professionals.
About us

We make dreams come true for children who are living with a disability, serious illness, or life-limiting conditions from the highest areas of deprivation in the UK. Bringing moments of magic that have a lasting impact for years to come. Our belief is that every young person has the right to dream, no matter who they are, or where they live.
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