Jozef Stasiak, Falmouth charity for school sensory rooms

Jozef Stasiak from Carnon Downs died in December 2022 with hundreds of bikers escorting him to his final resting place as the 12-year-old was mad about bikes.

Jozef died aged just 12 (Image: Family handout)

Before he died his mum Heidi promised that she would raise money to fund providing sensory equipment in schools so children like him can attend mainstream education.

Jozef was born with cerbral palsy and a number of other conditions that confined him to a wheelchair but that didn’t stop him from going to St Mary’s Catholic School in Falmouth his whole school life. 

Jozef died on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 after a long stay in hospital. His funeral took place on Christmas Eve with hundreds of bikers escorting him to Budock Church.

Jozef on his last day at St Mary's School with his two teaching assistants Mrs Sue Marshall and Miss Ali Liptrott and his mum Heidi (Image: Family handout)

"When Jozef was starting school I wanted him to attend mainstream education with his sister so I began fundraising to get any sensory equipment that would benefit him and the rest of his new school 'Jozef's dream of mainstream'," said Heidi. 

"I always promised Jozef that when I had a hole that needed to be filled I, and his teacher Sue Marshall, would set up his charity as a lasting legacy to help children like him and in doing so all children."

Now she has kept that promise and has set up Jozef's Dream charity, which is holding its first fundraiser, a family fun day, on Sunday, September 17 at the Dracaena Centre in Falmouth. 

The fundraiser takes place from 1pm to 3:30pm with bouncy castles, disco, raffle with local businesses donating prizes, (there is still time to donate) tombola and other stalls.

It is hoped that some of the emergency services will attend so the children have chance to meet them. Refreshments will be available. No charge for entry but raffle, stalls and refreshments will have small charge.

Hundreds of bikers escorted Jozef to his funeral service at Budock Church (Image: Peter Marland)

READ NEXT:

PICTURES: 'Minor hiccup' fails to derail 36th annual charity bike run

Heidi says she would like to thank Section 8 Scooter Club for their donation towards the fundraising from their event in May. Many of the club rode with Jozef on his final journey on Christmas Eve and they are happy to support the charity.

Jozef's grandma Lynn also donated some of the proceeds from the Mawnan Smith craft market cafe. Heidi would also like to thank Penryn Sign Shop who helped with the banner.

"We hope to help schools in the near future. We look forward to seeing anyone who can attend on Sunday," she told the Packet.