WATCH: Huge Black Isle procession honours brave Reece Mitchell (10)
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HUNDREDS of people joined a Black Isle vehicle procession to honour the life of a local lad who succumbed to a devastating condition.
The touching tribute to Reece Mitchell, who was only 10, unfolded yesterday in his home village of North Kessock.
It came ahead of the funeral of a boy who lived with the incurable Batten disease for half of his short life.
Reece was diagnosed with the CLN2 variant of Batten disease at the age of five and was left unable to walk, talk, eat or see as a result of the incurable illness.
He passed away with the sun on his face at Rachel House, Children's Hospice in Kinross on May 10.
The procession included a lengthy motorcycle cavalcade followed by a stream of classic and vintage vehicles, lorries and a bus.
A fundraiser organised by a family friend to help the family meet expenses at a difficult time reached its £5000 target.
Organiser Rory Anderson posted: “Reece was a funny, playful, intelligent and determined wee boy who was unfortunately born with a genetic disease that meant that his life was taken far too soon.
“Reece spent his life in North Kessock with his mum and sisters where he enjoyed playing with cars, blowing bubbles, throwing stones in the sea and his favourite pastime, bouncing on his trampoline.
“I can't begin to imagine the pain that Donna, Courtney and Alex are feeling right now. Donna has devoted the past 5 years to being Reece's full-time carer.
“I would like to try and support the family as much as possible and without any added worries of funeral, travel and memorial expenses.
“Please donate if you can to give Reece the send off that he deserves and to free the family from any financial burden whilst they are going through this terrible time.”
The appeal surpassed its £5000 target prompting grateful thanks.
Posting after the funeral, Black Isle councillor Sarah Atkin, who knows the family well, said: “A beautiful service for a beautiful boy. One message I took away today was that every life can make an impact on the world, and on others. Reece’s life did, in so many ways.”
