Standing behind Josh and his family, and helping fund the future of JRD Inclusion FC.
This is the story of Joshua Robert Duckworth — Josh — a fun-loving, football-mad eleven-year-old who plays for JRD Inclusion FC and supports Liverpool FC. Josh is well known for his passion for football sticker books, and for once telling Liverpool player Harvey Elliott, when the team met in 2023, “I only need you for my sticker book!”
In 2023, Josh was diagnosed with 4H Leukodystrophy (POLR3B), a rare and progressive genetic condition that affects the white matter of the brain. Over time it can affect his ability to walk, talk and do the everyday things — and the things he loves — and there is currently no treatment or cure.
The JRD Foundation was set up by Josh’s family to support Josh and his future needs, including home adaptations and modifications as his condition progresses, and to help create happy memories along the way. It's also a way to raise awareness of Leukodystrophy, a condition most people have never heard of.
Josh’s dad, Chris Duckworth, coaches our Under 12s at JRD Inclusion FC — and the whole club is proud to stand behind Josh, his mum Hayley, his sister Eloise, and their whole family.
As well as supporting Josh directly, the JRD Foundation helps fund JRD Inclusion FC itself — covering the cost of away trips, extra training sessions and tournament entry, so every child on the team gets the same opportunities regardless of their family’s circumstances.
Every bit of support — whether for Josh or for the team — means so much to his family, friends and the whole JRD Inclusion family.
