A fundraising ride and walk for a young Ramsgate man with cancer has raised £900.
Reece Flannigan, 21, was diagnosed with rare Ewing Sarcoma cancer, which affects bones or the tissue around bones, last year.
Reece has undergone radiotherapy and an operation to remove the cancer from his spine and it was thought he was clear of the disease.
But a fortnight after returning home Reece again had terrible pain in his hip and was eventually forced to go to hospital to have it checked. A body scan and follow-up appointment have confirmed metastases – secondary malignant growths – which doctors have now said is terminal.
The Ride for Reece was organised by his little brother Mackenzie-Lee and close friends Ryan Fassam and Todd Miller while mum Sharon co-ordinated the walk. The aim was to raise funds so Reece and family can create some memories together.
The ride took place on July 23, leaving from Newington Community Centre and travelling to the town and then the coastal route to Reculver.
The walk went from the community centre stopping along to way to make collections, finishing at The Waterfront at Ramsgate harbour.
Reece’s mum Sharon said: “The Ride for Reece made £700 and the walkers made £200, in total £900.
“ I would like to say a massive thank you to Mackenzie- Lee for coming up with the whole idea and to Todd, Mathew, Patrick and Ryan Fassam for making it happen. There were so many people involved in the event and I’m sorry but there are too many names to put to paper, but you were all amazing and had a great day doing this.
“If there was an award for best fancy dresser it would have gone to Dre Gisby Wood as he was the only one that dressed up and what a thing to wear -a mankini and a wig! He made the ride a fun one so thank you Dre.
“Julie Coombs and her children and Marie Thomas and her daughter smashed it on the walk with me and all my kids. Everyone made it a day to remember and the after party at the Windmill pub was great. A big thank you to Laura Fassam and Melissa Fassam for the food they laid on, it was lovely and thank you to the Windmill for letting this happen.
“Also thank you to Kathy Bailes who advertised the event for us and to Harbour Bikes for hiring the bikes to my kids and two son-in-laws and not charging them.”