The legacy of Josh Lloyd Roberts, who tragically lost his life three years after being struck by a vehicle while returning home, is being honoured by his companions through a long-distance walk.
The Everton supporter was killed when a car struck him as he made his way home. His body was discovered on the A4085 Ffordd Waunffawr road in Caeathro at approximately 11pm on Friday, June 2, 2023.
Emergency services confirmed he died at the location. North Wales Police concluded their inquiry having taken a 19-year-old man into custody at the time. His mother, Mel Tookey, told the ECHO that Josh had been a skilled footballer and a well-liked student at Cardiff Metropolitan University who was employed at a caravan park at the time of his passing.
His ties to the local area were demonstrated when officials constructed a stand at CPD Bontnewydd FC, the club where he had previously played, in his honour. Paying her respects, Mel stated that he was an outstanding individual. She acknowledged her maternal bias but emphasised how compassionate and reasonable he had been, noting that he was popular and that his death devastated their entire community.
More than three years since this devastating event, Josh’s inner circle are undertaking a 100-mile journey beginning at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where a memorial plaque commemorates him, and concluding at The Oval in Caernarfon. This four-day expedition will collect money for three organisations: youth assistance programmes Gôl Cymru and Porthi Dre Youth Club, along with men’s mental health charity Two Pints Deep.
Mel described how she, together with Josh’s loved ones, continues to keep his spirit alive. His companion Huw Griffiths posted on the JustGiving page that they were undertaking this challenge to commemorate Josh while gathering donations for the three specified causes. He noted that these three organisations genuinely change lives, with Gôl and Porthi Dre positively affecting young people and Two Pints Deep providing crucial men’s mental health support. He added that throughout different stages of the walk, they would be wearing custom tops displaying Josh’s photograph alongside sponsor logos and the charity emblems, and they were seeking business and personal sponsorship.
Supporters can contribute to this fundraising effort prior to the walk scheduled for August 27.
Josh’s devotion to Everton was evident at his funeral, where Z Cars was played as he entered the chapel while relatives stood wearing Everton shirts bearing the number 19. His memorial stone also incorporates the Everton crest.
A subsequent pre-inquest review regarding Josh’s death is scheduled for September 23.