Brave boy, 11, makes heartbreaking decision to die after 6 year battle with cancer

A brave 11-year-old boy has announced his heart-breaking decision to stop cancer treatment - so that he can be allowed to die.

Reece

by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

Reece Puddington, who has been suffering with nueroblastoma since 2008, remarkably beat the disease in 2010 - only for his cancer to return in 2012.

Tragically by this time the cancer had spread to his liver, and Reece was told it was terminal.

Reece remained positive throughout his treatment
Reece remained positive throughout his treatment

Reece and his family set up a Facebook page to document the youngster's struggle with the disease, and this month posted the heart-rending news that Reece was choosing not to go on another drugs trial - which could potentially extend his life.

'As you know after the latest scan results I was sent home to rest and think over the two possible options,' he wrote.

'I could opt for another trial, but this would mean travelling a lot to the hospital and coping with the side effects, but could also hopefully extend my life.'

Reece has already fulfilled many wishes on his list, including flying a plane

'After careful consideration, my mum thought that if she was doing it for herself she would keep sending me for treatment as she wouldn't want to let me go, but if she was doing it for me she'd let me go. Well, she's letting me go…..'

Earlier this year, Reece drew up a bucket list of things he wants to do before he dies, including meeting Johnny Depp, getting his mum to drive and building a hobbit house in the back garden.

He has already flown a plane, met Matt Lucas and David Walliams and had a Wetherspoon's breakfast in bed - because he was too ill to make it into the popular pub chain.

Reece couldn't make it to Wetherspoons to enjoy his favourite breakfast - so it came to him

Reece's mum Kay, 40, has spoken about the amazing support the family have received since posting his bucket list online.

'It has been viewed 11,000 times in the space of 48 hours so the response has been overwhelming. Reece has been so incredibly brave and I'm so proud of him.'

Celebrities have been touched by Reece's struggle with cancer

His Facebook page has been flooded with messages of support from around the world, with one user writing: 'You are a brave little lad and an inspiration, you've touched my heart, sending you much love xxxx'

Another wrote: 'What a brave young man you are, your family must be really proud of you. What's that old saying 'an old head on young shoulders.' You have great dignity for such a young person. What an inspiration you are to others.'

Other comments included those from Belgium, South Africa and Brazil.

His Facebook appeal has so far raised over 5,000 pounds.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us