about reece
Reece’s Story
Reece was a determined, fit and healthy young man. He was the middle child of Richard and Karen with an older sister, Robyn and younger brother Matt. He was a soulmate to his long-term girlfriend Chelsea. Following 2 years at Palmers College studying Health and Social care, he went onto South East Essex College University to study a degree in Early Years teaching at age 18.
may 2013
about reece
Diagnosis
On May 1st 2013, the day before Reece turned 20, he complained of a lack of coordination whilst driving and studying. He was seen in hospital and given painkillers and a follow up MRI scan. Over the following week, Reece deteriorated and returned to A&E.
The MRI scan was brought forward and showed a mass. Initially this was thought to be an AVM (Arterial Venous Malformation). Reece was monitored closely for a week and after a bleed on the brain, had surgery. This surgery went well, however after 5 days, Reece was told that he actually had a high-grade GBM (Glioblastoma Multiforme), an aggressive brain tumour.
oct 2013
about reece
Post-Diagnosis
Reece took the diagnosis in his stride, worried more about others than himself. He had 6 weeks of daily chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed by 6 further cycles of chemotherapy. Reece had little side effects and continued with his daily routines. A follow up scan in October 2013 show no enhancement or re-occurence, so Reece continued chemotherapy.
jan 2014
about reece
New Symptoms
In January 2014, Reece started to have hiccups and headaches. He was hospitalised and had a repeat MRI. This showed 2 new tumours. The doctors then decided to try more aggressive chemotherapy. After 2 cycles of this, the doctors felt that it was having an adverse effect on his blood levels and decided to resect the top tumour in surgery. This surgery was on 4th June 2014 and Reece was discharged 2 days later.
jun 2014
about reece
Reece’s Determination
On 20th June 2014, Reece started having more headaches and nausea. He was unable to tolerate medication and was taken to A&E. Reece had a seizure and was unresponsive for 40 minutes and the family were told to prepare for a goodbye.
Reece defied the odds and showed signs of getting stronger every day. He was then admitted to St Luke's Hospice for rehabilitation and medication reviews. After 2 weeks, he was discharged home.
jul 2014
about reece
Fundraising For Therapy
Reece was informed that he could have one final attempt at treatment, although it would only have a 20% chance of making a difference. This treatment was called Avastin and was not funded by the NHS. At £5,500 per cycle every 3 weeks, Reece fundraised for his treatment. Over £80,000 was raised in 3 months.
Reece’s Goodbye
Reece had 2 cycles of Avastin, however he deteriorated. The family were given donations to take a small 2 week holiday in Cornwall where unforgettable memories were make. When Reece arrived home, he was re-admitted to hospital and told that the Avastin was not working enough and his tumours were too aggressive.
Reece was transferred to St Luke's Hospice for palliative care and spent valuable time with his friends and family. Reece had a graduation ceremony on October 16th 2014, where he was awarded a diploma in Early Years Education.
On the morning of 17th October 2014, surrounded by his family and girlfriend, Reece peacefully passed away.
about us
The Foundation
The foundation was set up using the money that Reece had raised for his treatment, knowing that helping others would have been what Reece wanted. The aim is to help and support those diagnosed with cancer to make important memories.