Belladrum heartfelt tribute to late brave Black Isle lad Reece Mitchell who fought Battens disease
A heartfelt tribute was seen at Belladrum for an extremely brave Black Isle boy who fought a debilitating disease.
North Kessock lad, Reece Mitchell, touched the hearts of thousands before his death last May, at just 10 years of age. He was diagnosed with the CLN2 variant of Battens disease at age five.
In his short life, Reece raised public awareness of the cruel condition, the needs of sufferers and the importance of cutting edge research.
Since his death, there has been an outpouring of tributes to the brave boy — the most recent being a bench at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in his honour.
The bench was crafted and donated by Chainsaw Creations for the major Highland festival, in partnership with mental health charity Mikeysline.
Mikeysline said: “Donna, Reece’s Mam, had a special connection with our late founder Ron Williamson for personal reasons close to her heart, and has been an incredible supporter of Mikeysline over the years.
“These were some of Ron’s words from 2021, when he visited Reece at home for the final time.
Mikeysline went on to share Ron’s words from when he visited Reece at home for the final time, in 2021.
Ron previously said: “Meet my personal hero Reece Mitchell. I have had the privilege, honour, heartache and joy to know this courageous wee fella for the last five years… since he was three.
“I thank Reece for allowing me a wee glimpse of what real courage, bravery and endurance is. We won't see each other again, but I will forever be in awe of the lessons in humility my wee hero has given me.”
Reece’s mum, Donna said: “I genuinely don’t have the right words but this makes my heart happy and sad. Both Reece and Ron are missed so very much.
“And it was real honour to have classed Ron as a friend. Mikeysline will always always have a special place in our hearts.”
After Belladrum, Reece’s bench will go to the primary school at North Kessock, where Reece lived. The bench will be put in the primary school’s new garden, so that all the children can enjoy it.
