A charity bike ride and walk raising funds for Pilgrims Hospice will be held this month in memory of a young, Ramsgate man who lost his fight against cancer.
Reece Flannigan was diagnosed in 2021 with rare Ewing Sarcoma cancer, which affects bones or the tissue around bones.
The 21-year-old had 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 confirmed metastases – secondary malignant growths – which doctors said was terminal.
Sadly Reece passed away at the Margate hospice on August 18, 2022.
To celebrate his life and raise funds for the charity that provided end of life care Reece’s mum Sharon has organised the ride and walk to take place on July 22. It will be an annual event.
Sharon said: “Reece lost his battle with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, on the 18th August 2022 after trying his very upmost to not let it beat him.
“He had it for 23 months and despite the operation and chemo and radiotherapy we thought he smashed it but after radiotherapy, two weeks later we were told in fact he still had it but this time it was terminal.
“From when we were told it was terminal my prince still smiled and laughed every day. He never ever let it affect him, he was never sad and said that we all have to go some day. But as his mum it’s like my heart will never be complete again.
“Reece would not want anyone to sit there and be sad but it’s easier said than done. So myself and his family and close friends are doing this walk and ride for him to carry his name on and we will be doing this forever.
“This year and every year we will do this ride and walk with all money raised will donated to Margate Pilgrims where Reece left us to go to paradise.
“I know he would be so proud of each and every one of us that do this.”
The ride and the walk will start at Newington Community Centre, meeting at 10.30am.
The ride will be the same route to Reculver that was followed during a fundraiser for Reece last year and donations will be collected on the way.
The walk will also follow the fundraiser route from last year through the town and finishing at the harbour, again collecting as they go. Walkers and riders will leave the community centre at 11am.
All are welcome to join either the ride or walk and children are welcome to take part.
