Doddington Scout Joshua Cowin walks through a storm to raise money for his group

Torrential rain and strong winds failed to deter a young Fenland scout as he undertook a charity walk in aid of his group.

Joshua Cowin completed three days of walking along the Weavers Way path through stormy conditions in Norfolk at the weekend having started on Friday in Cromer, with his family: mum, Nicola Butterworth-Cowin, dad, Gerry Cowin and brother Noah, 11, all in support.

He was raising money for 1st Doddington Scout Group with the 61 mile trek, which saw him complete 20 miles the first day, 18 miles on Saturday and the rest on Sunday, ending up in Great Yarmouth.

It is not the first time Joshua, 13, has walked for charity. He has previously completed the Peddars Way and the North Norfolk Coastal Path raising money firstly for the John Egging Trust and then the British Red Cross, which loaned him a wheelchair when he needed one.

Joshua has been a member of the scout group since joining as a Beaver aged five and was extremely grateful for the support they gave him when he was diagnosed with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in 2012.

The disease was named after the three scientists who discovered it. Legg-Calvé-Perthes is a childhood condition that occurs when blood supply to the ball part (femoral head) of the hip joint is temporarily interrupted and the bone begins to die.

This weakened bone gradually breaks apart and can lose its round shape. The body eventually restores blood supply to the ball, and the ball heals. But if the ball is no longer round after it heals, it can cause pain and stiffness. The complete process of bone death, fracture and renewal can take several years. It normally affects children aged six to 10 and is more common in boys.

Joshua had to undergo a variety of treatment including surgery and was for a time confined to a wheelchair. He still has pain with his hip especially if he walks long distances, but he was determined to complete the challenge and raise as much money as possible for the scout group, which is looking to renovate its headquarters in Benwick Road.

Joshua said: “I found it quite hard going in places,the weather was horrible at times, but all in all worth it in the end. I have aching feet and aching hip, so I know I have done it. I have used my scouting skills, like map reading, grid references and making sure I was prepared for the day with food, drink and the right clothing. I feel very proud of my achievement it is an experience I will never forget. I would be really thankful if people could support and donate if possible.”

His proud parents added: "We are really proud of his achievement in completing this. There were two gruelling days of 20 and 18 miles. The 18 miles was completed in the rain and strong winds, but he finished the day with a smile on his face. That left about 20 miles today in the sunshine, a nice fitting end."

You can sponsor Joshua via his Justgiving page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NicolaButterworthCowin