Poignant tribute to late brave Black Isle boy Reece Mitchell who fought Battens disease
A HEARTFELT tribute has been made to a brave Black Isle boy who fought a debilitating disease and has been dearly missed since his death one year ago.
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.
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Since his death, there has been an outpouring of tributes to the brave boy — including a bench at last year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in his honour. The bench was crafted by Chainsaw Creations, in partnership with Highland mental health charity Mikeysline.
A year on since Reece’s death, the bench has now found it’s permanent home in Torgorm Gardens in North Kessock, near Coulmore caravan park — one of Reece’s favourite places.
“I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who made this happen, it makes me so happy to know that Reece has quietly left his mark in this world,” said Donna Mitchell, Reece’s mum. “Reece loved being down at the shore front, throwing stones in the water, so this is the perfect place. I know I will take great comfort from being able to go and sit and watch the sunset on my boy’s wee seat.”
Donna shared her thanks to Mikeysline for the bench, Chainsaw Creations who made the bench, to Knockbain Community Council for allowing the bench to put in place and to Tarradale Home Improvements for putting the bench in place.
She continued: “I won’t lie this is a weird week in the run up to Reece’s anniversary, but this has made my heart burst and I genuinely cannot thank everyone involved enough.”
Tarradale Home Improvements said: “It was our pleasure to help out Donna, we hope you take great comfort in your special place with Reece. Thank you for letting us be a part of it.”
