As many of you will have heard, on the evening of Saturday 24th June, we received the tragic news that Josh Machin, JM3, a much-loved member of the club, lost his brief, but courageous battle with Cancer at the age of just 30 – as a Club we are devastated by the news and our deepest sympathies go out to Josh’s Friends and Family at this truly sad time.

Background...
On Christmas Eve 2022, Josh noticed back pain, not unusual for a tighthead prop, but by the 31st it had increased to a point that he went to A&E. An MRI scan was carried out, followed by a CT scan which showed two masses in Josh’s groin and right armpit. The initial prognosis was given – lymphoma.

After being admitted to the ward, Josh began to lose power in his legs, and on 11/01/23 surgeons decided an operation on his spine was needed. Following 13 hours in surgery, Josh’s spine was fused between T5-T11, and decompressed at D8-D9. Whilst his spine was stabilised, Mach and his family were given the devastating news that he would lose the use of his legs.

Unfortunately, further blows would follow as follow-up tests would lead to a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic melanoma – widespread cancer now affecting a number of vital organs. Josh’s health began to rapidly decline and by 19/01/23 his dad, Charlie, was asked to consent to a ‘do not resuscitate’ order. Josh was moved to a side room in order to allow family & friends to spend time with him before he passed.

But Josh continued to fight and incredibly after the first week went by, he had grown strong enough that doctors were prepared to try hormonal treatment. Josh began to respond positively and after a further 13 weeks was able to start chemotherapy, again responding well.

Josh’s staggering fight back then led him to Adderley Green Care Home, where he was receiving advanced physical therapy on his upper body. The aim at this stage was to get Josh strong enough to use a wheelchair, allowing him to leave hospital, and move into his Dad’s home.

During all this time Charlie and his wife Ava had not left Josh’s side, visiting him twice daily to provide the much-needed love and support that has fueled his fight.

The courage, resilience, and determination that Josh had shown to that point was absolutely unbelievable. Mach has always said he is ‘built different’…and we were starting to think he was right!

Then, with all the positive news and thought of a life outside of the Hospital and Care Home walls, we received the devastating news last week that Josh had come out a very, very close second to this terrible disease.

Plans were already afoot to hold a fundraiser to raise valuable monies for Josh’s rehabilitation and respite, however the focus has now moved to try to help relieve Josh’s family of the financial burden associated to their bereavement.

Accordingly, Lichfield Rugby will be holding a memorial fundraiser in the form of a 24-hour game of Touch Rugby, tagged as JM3 ‘til 3 - starting at 3.00pm on Friday 21st July, through to 3.00pm Saturday 22nd July.

Everyone is welcome to get involved, more details to follow…….

Josh’s Funeral will be held on Thursday 20th July, at Carmountside Crematorium, Stoke on Trent at 11.00am, the cortege will be leaving Lichfield via the Rugby Club at approximately 8-8.30am more details as we hear.

LRUFC