Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges and Breakfast with Greg James show live doorsteps sisters who gave ‘incredible love’ to tragic North Kessock 10 year old Reece Mitchell - with a special message from pop star Mabel
Two Highland sisters who showed “incredible love” for their terminally ill little brother were this morning given a surprise live doorstepping by millions of Radio 1 listeners.
Reece Mitchell from North Kessock was only 10 in May this year when he lost his brave battle with the debilitating genetic disorder Batten’s Disease.
LISTEN HERE: BREAKFAST WITH GREG JAMES from 8:40
Heartbroken mum Donna Mitchell was with him every step of the way, patiently supported by daughters Courtney (32) and Alexandra (22).
The deeply moving and funny primetime live morning slot on Breakfast with Greg James drew an extraordinary reaction from listeners touched by Reece, Donna and the sisters’ story.
Presenter James remarked that he “hadn’t seen anything like this for a long time” as emotional messages flooded in during the show, some offering to donate to the charity who helped the Black Isle family, Children's Hospices Across Scotland: CHAS.
Donna, preparing for the family’s first Christmas without Reece, had decided it was time to show her appreciation to the two girls, tilting for a place in the special ‘Festive Feeling’ Christmas feature at the last minute.
From many thousands of applicants, Reece’s story - and Courtney and Alex’s part in it - was chosen.
That set in motion a meeting with Radio 1’s roving reporter, presenter and DJ Charlie Hedges, who this morning hid with Donna outside the family home in chilly North Kessock for over an hour.
One slight hitch was Courtney’s decision the night before to attend the Peat and Diesel gig at the new concert venue An Seòmar. The elder sister was said to be ‘slightly tender’ after her big night out.
Courtney, a huge fan of Charlie Hedges, was rendered almost speechless when she opened the door to the Radio 1 star, but soon talked eloquently about how Reece had touched their lives.
After a short musical interlude, the show returned to the North Kessock living room for interviews, news of prizes for the girls - a two-night stay and spa pampering at the Palace Hotel in Inverness - and a personal message from pop sensation Mabel, the daughter of Neneh Cherry.
Mum Donna spoke of her “incredible pride” at how NHS worker Courtney and university student Alex had adapted to her unavoidable 24/7 focus on caring for Reece.
Donna said: “I nominated them because this year has been particularly tough. Their little brother Reece passed away in May. He was only 10, but had been ill for quite a number of years.
“The girls were just exceptional - they went over and above to support not only Reece, but myself.
“They were amazing and deserve a treat so much. I wouldn’t have got through this without the girls.
“To say that I’m proud of them, is a complete understatement.
“The brother who once chased them around and screamed for them, ended up in a wheelchair, fully dependent, blind and unable to eat or speak.
“They never complained that he took up all of my time and still treated Reece as their little brother. They showed incredible love and care.”
Courtney had the listening nation in tears as she related her “pride at being able to say Reece was our little brother”.
Courtney, who this year raised just over £6000 for the CHAS hospice in Perth who gave Reece end-of-life care, said: “Reece was just the most incredible little boy in the whole world. I’m so proud to be able to say that he was my little brother.
“He taught me so much about life that I didn’t know I needed to know. I’m so grateful to my little brother. He taught me to be a better person.
“If I’m having a bad day, my outlook is totally different because of what my brother went through. I always think ‘it’s not that big a deal’ compared to what he went through in his little life.”
Hedges, who clearly hit it off with Donna, described them as “a beautiful family”, adding: “I’m so excited about this one because I really want (our listeners) to see how amazing Donna is, so light-hearted, just a joy.
“The family just shows you how strong you can be if you pull together.”
Donna added her thanks to the Radio 1 team , saying: “You have made our year. I wanted Christmas to be special this year because it is our first without Reece.
“Nothing will ever beat this. It is amazing to have Charlie Hedges in the house!
“Courtney and Alex were the best big sisters Reece could have wished for.
“I know how difficult the last few months of his life were for the girls. It pushed them way out of their comfort zone and I’m just so incredibly proud of them.”
