North Kessock mum’s fundraiser to keep ‘memory alive’ of late son
A BLACK Isle mum is taking on a fundraising challenge in the memory of her brave late son who fought a debilitating disease, while giving back to the ICU unit that cares for those “at their sickest in intensive care”.
North Kessock lad, Reece Mitchell, touched the hearts of thousands before his death in May 2024, at just 10 years old. 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.
To mark what would be Reece’s 12th birthday on July 7, his mum Donna is taking on the challenge of walking 20,000 steps a day throughout July — a total of 620,000 steps — to help raise funds for the ICU unit who cared for Reece.
Donna explained: “Reece would have turned 12 earlier this month, so to remember him and do something in his name I have decided to do a wee fundraiser.
“Keeping Reece’s memory alive is so very important, but so is giving back to those who helped us so much.”
“In February 2024 Reece became very unwell and was intubated and on a ventilator, we didn’t know if Reece would survive and it was a very stressful and challenging time seeing your child so unwell, hooked up to machines — but Reece couldn’t have been in better hands.
“The care and support we all received was exceptional, they went above and beyond. What could have been a very negative experience, they made it easier to bare. I’m so very grateful to them all and we would like to make a donation to unit so they can buy something that will help support other patients/families.”
Out of the £1000 fundraising goal, Donna has currently raised £750 according to her GoFundMe page. Visit the fundraiser on: https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-reece