Black Isle lad Reece Mitchell (10) ‘surrounded by love’ as he succumbs after brave Batten disease battle
A BRAVE Black Isle boy whose fight against a cruel terminal disease has touched the hearts of thousands of people has died.
Reece Mitchell was diagnosed with the CLN2 variant of Batten's disease at the aged of five and was left unable to walk, talk, eat and see as a result of the incurable illness.
Thanks to the remarkable efforts of his family, including mum Donna and sisters Alexandra and Courtney, and the support of the wider community, Reece was able to enjoy some amazing experiences in his final years.
WATCH: Scotland stars record special message for very poorly Reece
Awareness on cruel disease vital to get correct care sooner
PICTURES: Care pod for Reece a step closer after fundraiser
In a post shared on the Reece’s Battens Journey blog which has helped update supporters and educate the general public about the condition, his mum confirmed that he had passed away.
He was 10.
Her moving post reads: “My darling boy died early this evening outside in the garden with the sun on his face and surrounded by so much love.
“These last few weeks have been incredibly difficult and Reece has gone through so so much but even on the difficult days we made the best of our time together.
“Tonight we should have been camping under the stars for one last adventure and a massive thanks to everyone at the hospice who pulled out all the stops to get a tent etc but Reece had other ideas, he has his own wee adventure to go on.
“As much as my heart is breaking Reece is now free from pain and I firmly believe he’s reunited with my mam and dad who will keep him safe till I am reunited with my boy.
“Reece was not just my son but he was my best friend, my reason to get up every day and he has made us all better people.
“And if you were lucky enough to have met Reece you will know how truly special he is and I know Reece has touched many many people and I’m proud to be his mam.
“Run free beautiful boy.”
Hundreds of tributes have flooded in following the sad news.
Amongst them was Black Isle councillor Sarah Atkin who posted: “I am so sorry for your loss, Donna and will always remember Reece as an incredibly brave little boy and you showing all of us what being a mum is all about. You’ve given all of us so much - and taught us all so much - by letting us in on Reece’s journey with this cruel disease. RIP Reece. Love to you, Donna and the family. xx”
Donna Fraser wrote: “I am so sorry for your loss I have followed your story for a few years now, and I can honestly say I am in awe of you as a Mum!! What an amazing lady you are! Reece was never far from my thoughts day to day and I always looked forward to seeing what you had been up to; what an adventure Reece has had. Rest now Reece, you have been set free from this cruel disease. Sending you all love and strength and thank you for sharing your journey all the way along; it’s been a pleasure xx”
Commonly referred to as Batten disease, the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCLs) denote several different genetic life-limiting neurodegenerative diseases that share similar features. Although the disease was initially recognised in 1903 by Dr Frederik Batten, it wasn’t until 1995 that the first genes causing NCL were identified. Since then over 400 mutations in 13 different genes have been described that cause the various forms of NCL disease.
