Young Joshua leads Reach for a Dream team

Joshua Sole was a normal eight-year-old when his life changed forever.

Being diagnosed with Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, they found a 10x10cm tumour at the base of the bladder. What followed was years of treatment and perseverance but today he is a healthy high school learner who wants to make a difference. Now aged 14, Joshua hopes to change the lives of others through cycling. He was recently chosen as the 947 ambassador for Reach for a Dream this year and after completing the 50km 947 off-road race, he took on the full 947 Ride Joburg along with his dad, Mike, as well as the rest of the Reach for a Dream riders.

It has always been Mike’s dream to ride with Josh and what made it more special was that his son lead the Reach for a Dream pack. He was given his Titan bike and riding kit by Reach for a Dream in May along with a personal message from Daryl Impey, a legendary South African road cyclist.

Joshua’s mother, Lara said it was their faith and trust in God that kept them strong throughout their journey. That and all the support from incredible friends and family. His sister Courtney has also been one of his biggest supporters.

“Faith over fear was our motto.”

She said the most difficult thing for them was seeing Joshua fight battles no one should ever have to face.

“Seeing your child this sick and fading away in front of you without being able to take his pain away and fix it, killed us as parents,” Lara said. Being the close family they are, it was difficult for them to be away from each other but they had to be there for their daughter as well.

But as a family, they learnt to appreciate the small things and their time together.

“Being able to be together and have tea in bed in the mornings is a blessing. Movie nights together in the hospital and the four of us ha-ving dinner together,” said Lara but laughingly adding that the downside was that she has become completely intolerant to nonsense and people moaning about stupid things.

Joshua has always enjoyed cycling and when he was too weak to even walk it was the promise of cycling and water skiing that motivated him to get up and try to take one step. Slowly putting one foot in front of the other until he grew strong enough to one day get back on his bike and skis. He often trains with his friend Greg who is an incredible cyclist and has been a huge support to him.

They enjoy long rides out and often start their cycle at Grounds in the Cradle as they are friends with the owner.

“They have been amazing and have let us do Rainbows and Smiles and Reach for a Dream drives from outside their entrance as so many cyclists start their rides from there,” explained Lara.

If Joshua had his way he would happily ride full time and his dream is to one day ride at Whistler Bike Park in Canada. With all the battles this young man has had to fight, he is still a shy and humble person who does not like the spotlight. He said he hardly remembers his cancer journey and in his eyes he was sick and now he is well and that is all there is to it.

“He doesn’t see himself as someone people look up to but quietly he’s helping inspire many people and children fighting cancer who need hope. It has been the hardest few years of our lives; one I wouldn’t wish upon anyone but it also taught us many valuable lessons.”