It really is with the heaviest of hearts that we tell you- Rhys Langford passed away yesterday evening after a long battle with cancer. Thank you all so much on behalf of his family for the support given to Rhys to reach his hero @KSI
A teenager who lived just a few months was ‘surprised’ at his kindness after giving away almost all of his savings to help a boy he never met.
Rhys Langford, from Ebbw Vale, has severe osteosarcoma, a cancer that starts in the bones.
Earlier this month, the 19-year-old heard the story of Jacob Jones, a six-year-old boy from the same town. Jacob went through grueling treatment to get rid of a rare cancer called neuroblastoma – but doctors believe it has returned.
Reese, who worked for a water company before falling ill, was moved to tears by Jacob’s story – and decided to donate £1,000 of his savings to his child’s treatment. He also built an online crowdfunding platform for Jacob.
As we report on Rees’ incredible generosity, his campaign has raised more than £5,000. In the three days since, the figure has soared to £34,775.
His mum Catherine said: “Reese was absolutely amazed at the amount of money raised for Jacob. All the supportive messages and emails our family has received have been exciting. Reese and the family are filled with emotion and people want us to be very grateful to those who provided A gesture of kindness to help those we reminisce with Rhys.
“Businesses offer free services, from small gifts of cupcakes to making memory blankets, framed poems, balloon decorations for Reese’s bedroom. A small act of kindness by Reese as one of his last wishes made it all So irresistible. We never expected this kindness to come back. It really put a smile on Reese’s face. We’re so proud of him – he’s our hero.
The 37-year-old added: “Reese was really happy and emotional. Jacob was too young to really understand, but like Reese, he was a young boy loved by his family and followers. .
“As a family, we cannot believe the response we have received from so many wonderful people…We will always hold a special place in our hearts for Reese and his family.”
Catherine, 38, said Reese’s campaign had inspired people in Abbville to arrange a football match to raise money. The charity match will take place at Garnlydan Football Club on February 20th at 2pm.
Reese, a talented martial artist and athlete, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in October 2020. Specialists at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham found an 18cm tumor in his right hip.
He underwent a series of blood transfusions and intensive chemotherapy, and his weight dropped rapidly from 12 pounds to 8 pounds 4 pounds. After 10 weeks of chemotherapy, Rhys spent three weeks at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital where she underwent surgery to remove all the bones from her kneecap to her right hip.
That meant Reese always needed two crutches to walk, but the family hoped it would save his life. Rhys then went through another 20 weeks of chemotherapy.
After Rhys finished treatment last August, he threw a party to celebrate his cancer-free status. His father, Paul, said he was starting to feel like his life was getting back on its feet.
