Brave teenager who inspired charity Joseph's Goal honoured with star on Wigan's Walk of Fame

Joseph Kendrick – whose parents Paul and Emma set up Joseph’s Goal 10 years ago – is named on a new star on Believe Square, alongside Wigan heroes such as Jenny Meadows, Sir Ian McKellen, Billy Boston and Dave Whelan.

The 13-year-old has a very rare life-limiting genetic disorder named non-ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) and hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for research into the condition by the charity set up in his name.

The star recognises the “amazing impact” made by Joseph and the charity in the borough and for those affected by NKH.

His dad Paul, who is the Wigan Post’s football writer, said: “We were approached a few months ago to ask if we'd consider accepting the star. As a charity and a family, we were incredibly humbled to be asked. It's a tremendous honour and one we accept on behalf of every single person who has helped, assisted and supported us over the last 10 years.”

A special event was held at Wigan Town Hall to unveil the star, which was attended by the family and supporters of the charity, as well as dignitaries including the Mayor of Wigan Coun Marie Morgan and council leader Coun David Molyneux.

When Joseph was born in May 2009, the prognosis could not have been more bleak and he was not expected to make it out of hospital.

But he defied the odds and when he turned three, his parents decided to do something to raise money for research into NKH.

They organised a bike ride to a Wigan Athletic away game, but their fund-raising efforts soon snowballed and they went on to form Joseph’s Goal.

Much of the money raised over the years has been collected by caring Wiganers, but the charity has also had plenty of support from famous faces.

Wigan Warriors and Wigan Athletic have been staunch supporters, with Joseph even being the mascot for Latics at the FA Cup Final against Manchester City in 2013.

TV presenter Alex Brooker won £25,000 in a celebrity version of Channel 4’s Million Pound Drop and superstars like Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sir Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney have worn the charity’s wristbands.