Disabled boy in TV plea loses pneumonia fight

Josh Martina-Hopkins, nine, was surrounded by his family when he passed away at home in Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire after his latest battle with pneumonia, which began in November.

The youngster had needed round-the-clock care since he was 13-months-old, after a sickness bug left him brain-damaged.

Last year – for an episode still to be broadcast - local trades people volunteered to help the DIY SOS team adapt his home so he could continue to live there. Josh’s mother, Michelle Martina, paid tribute to her “smiling” boy and thanked all the workers who allowed Josh to be at home when he died.

She said: “He fought long and hard right until the end. He was a cheeky monkey, with a beautiful smile. It meant the world to us that he was at home. He was happier there. We were only able to take him home because of what DIY SOS did to our house.”

The family – including father Michael Hopkins and Josh’s 13-year-old sister, Danielle – were told in February there was nothing more that could be done.

Mrs Martina said: “We just tried to make the most of it, making memories – and lots of cuddles. He’s not suffering any more.”

Josh’s funeral will be at Park Wood Crematorium in Elland on April 24 at 12.45pm, followed by a gathering at The Works pub in Sowerby Bridge.