Shining legacy of Black Isle lad Reece Mitchell (10) to be celebrated as mum looks back
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A ROSS-SHIRE lad who touched the hearts of thousands of people before his death aged just 10 has left behind a remarkable legacy, says his mum.
A massive send-off is expected for Reece Mitchell today when a procession of well-wishers joins him for his final journey from North Kessock.
Reece was diagnosed with the CLN2 variant of Batten disease at the aged of five and was left unable to walk, talk, eat and see as a result of the incurable illness.
His death prompted an outpouring of good wishes for his mum, Donna, and sisters Alexandra and Courtney who dedicated themselves to making every moment of his short life count.
In so doing they raised public awareness of a cruel condition, the needs of sufferers and the importance of cutting-edge research.
Ahead of a procession that will leave from the Black Isle village this afternoon ahead of his funeral service at 3pm in the funeral home of William T Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road, Inverness, Donna Mitchell spoke of her pride in her son.
“I think not only did Reece do so much in raising awareness of Batten disease but also the incredible work that CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland) do.
“Reece fronted their Every Child Everywhere campaign and it was a massive success. We have spoken out about the amazing work that they do.
“And over the years we have taken part in fundraising for CHAS and that’s how I hope my boy is remembered - as the the little lad from North Kessock who raised so much awareness for both causes. In Reece’s name we will continue to do so.
“Even though our time was short we packed so much in - trips to Lapland and Disneyland and so many places back home.
“Reece met Callum Beattie, had a letter from Nicola Sturgeon, had some lovely messages from some of the Scotland players. The list is endless.
“As a family we filled Reece’s little life with lots of love, fun and laughter and even Reece’s death was beautiful and very fitting that we had the wonderful display from the Northern Lights which was Reece dancing in the sky.
“Reece was brave and fearless till the very end and has taught so many people about what is important in life and make every day count.”
The Batten Disease Family Association (BDFA) said: “We are deeply saddened at the loss of Reece. The BDFA have supported Donna and Reece throughout their journey with Batten disease, particularly through our family support partner, Sarah Kenrick.”
Sarah Kenrick said: “I was so fortunate to support Reece and Donna at home several times in the past few years, although he had lost most of his physical skills, he was a joy to be with and had the brightest of smiles. I was also humbled by Donna’s dedication and absolute devotion to Reece, an amazing Mum with so much to be proud of.”
On the legacy created by Reece and his family, she said: “We need more awareness of Batten disease among the general public as well as the medical profession.
“At the BDFA we provide practical and emotional help for families who are affected by the disease, but we are also desperately in need of more treatments.
“We have to find cures for this devastating condition, and we need all the support people can offer us in order to reach that goal.”
