Reece Winterbottom: Family of 'hero' Sheffield teen who died of cancer bring community together in his memory

Reece Winterbottom, from Beighton, was only seven when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2012 – just six months after losing his mum Kirsty to skin cancer. The bravery and positivity with which he battled the disease earned the young Blades fan a place in many people’s hearts, including the Sheffield United players and Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola whom he got the chance to meet.

Reece, who attended Westfield School and played football for Killamarsh Dynamos, sadly died in May 2021, aged 16, at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. But his legacy lives on, and next weekend the community will once again gather to celebrate his life at a family fun day organised in his honour.

They will be raising money for two causes which mean a lot to him and his family: Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice; Parents Loss United, which supports parents who have lost a child; and Brain Tumour Research.

Reece’s dad David and his stepmother Michelle said: “This is the second fundraiser that our friends have wanted to organise in memory of Reece and we would be thrilled if you could help us to raise money to support charities close to our heart. It would mean the world to Reece that these events are happening to honour his life and the memories we hold close.

"The day will be a celebration in memory of Reece, a true hero. Reece would be thrilled that this event is helping to raise vital funds in his memory but most of all that the community is coming together to share the love he had for his beloved sport, football.”

Reece’s Day 2023 will take place at Beighton Welfare Recreation Ground on Sunday, April 30, from 12pm. There will be a football tournament, a funfair and various activities and stalls for people of all ages, with a raffle taking place at 7.30pm. It is a free event, with people being asked to pay £1 to enter the prize draw.