Joshua was born at 430g and is defying the odds
Born at 430g and 14 weeks premature, Joshua Noomé was never suppose to walk, talk or go to school.
The young Morehill resident, however, celebrated his 10th birthday on October 15 – able to do a lot of the things his parents, Bronwyn and Glenn Noomé, were told he would never achieve.
Bronwyn said her “miracle boy” has come a long way in his short life.
Joshua spent eight months in a neo-natal ICU and had five operations after he was born.
When he was discharged, he was reliant on a feeding tube.In 2010, he went overseas to a specialised paediatric feeding clinic in Gratz, Austria, where, during an intensive, six-week programme, he was taught to swallow.
Today, the 10-year-old still has to consume mashed food.
Bronwyn said her son loves being in the garden and has a fascination with lawnmowers.
“Joshua absolutely loves being outside,” she added.
“He is fascinated with lawnmowers and knows makes and brands of lawnmowers.
“He loves the sounds and enjoys the lawnmower going up and down the garden.
“Joshua takes off the grass box, empties out the grass and puts back the box.
“He spends the day outside in the garden, as well as swimming with his Labrador.
“I am sure that, one day, he will have his own garden service and I will be driving him around from house to house, doing people’s gardens.”
The mother said her son has had an “incredible effect” on her and her husband’s lives.
“There have been tough times and there have been very special times,” she said.
“Joshua has taught us so much in 10 years.
“When he reaches a milestone on which he has been working for so long, we are so grateful and so happy about his achievements.
“Joshua is really an amazing little boy and has such a beautiful smile, a kind nature and a great love for his dogs and cats.”
The youngster attends Unity College, a special needs school in Fourways.
