Dealing with the rigours of completing Year 12 would be considered more than enough for most teenagers to deal with, but Joshua Priestly isn’t your average teenager.

At a time when many students are rightly focused solely on their studies, Joshua selflessly pushed himself to the limits to help people who are homeless in his hometown of Mareeba.

In May, Joshua spent three days pushing a wheelbarrow 140km to help raise funds for Rosies Mareeba branch.

What makes the feat even more admirable is that he completed the Great Wheelbarrow Race solo – when many compete in a team.

The St Stephens Catholic School captain said Rosies was a perfect fit for his fundraising campaign.
“Rosies helps Mareeba youth and is associated with the church, so I thought it was the best charity to support,” he said.

Rosies General Manager Andrew O’Brien said the organisation was impressed with Joshua’s initiative.

“It is encouraging to see young people take such a strong interest in lending a hand to those in the community who have found themselves on the fringes,” he said.

Joshua raised over $1600.

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