July 1999 Volume 80 Number 7 "serving the protectors"
Cops inspired by Child Bravery
By Brett Williams

Josh Ritchie touched many police officers’ hearts during the last year of his tragically short life. Stricken with disease, the smiling seven-year-old was fighting a courageous battle simply to live.

Police who visited Josh - as he underwent treatment in the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital - found his endless bravery inspirational. And other police who met Josh during last year’s Bluey Day event were equally inspired.

Josh Ritchie (centre) with Sergeant John Webber (left) and Inspector Kym Hardwick

But Josh lost his battle in March this year, only five days before his eighth birthday. He left behind his parents, Ngaire and Wayne, as well as brothers, Sam and Patrick, and sister, Tess.

Bluey Day SA state co-ordinator, David “Bully” Reynolds, says police officers considered themselves “lucky” to have met Josh.

“He always greeted his visitors with a big smile,” Reynolds remembers, “and if he was in pain or discomfort, it seldom showed.

“Josh’s fierce courage and strength was always evident when he would elect to walk to the operating theatre pushing his drip stand, instead of riding in a bed or wheelchair.

“And he loved to play pranks on the nursing staff at any opportunity. This was confirmed by the staff as they spoke after Josh was laid to rest.”

In a thank-you card, Josh’s family wrote:

Josh made quite an impact on a lot of people. Josh is and always will be in our hearts; his innocence and childlikeness, joy and profound courage can never be taken away from him. Hold on tight to the memories and happiness that Josh brought into our lives.

With not only Josh, but also the plight of other cancer-stricken children in their minds, police are intensely enthused about this year’s Bluey Day. From very small beginnings in country Victoria in 1995, the event - in which police are sponsored to have their heads shaved in public - has grown into an annual nationwide fund-raising campaign.

Bluey Day 1999 will be dedicated to Josh.

Participating police from throughout Australia, Canada and the US will descend on Adelaide as it hosts the national headshave at the Entertainment Centre at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 21.

Money raised by SA police and emergency services workers - which Reynolds expects to exceed $200,000 - will be donated to the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital oncology unit.

“We want to make this event the biggest and best yet,” says Reynolds. “We’re currently recruiting participants, and all they need to do is raise $1000 in donations, or sell our hats, beanie babies, t-shirts, polo shirts and badges.

“The task might sound difficult, but it’s actually quite easy when people realize what the money’s for. And 100 per cent of all donations is presented to the hospital - it’s not eaten up by administration costs or wages.

“Participants - and the dedicated committee - all take part in their own time.”

Anyone seeking involvement in this year’s Bluey Day should contact Marie Snook at Adelaide Investigations on 0411 607 886, or Kerry House at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital on 8204 7166.

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