Raising the Hopes of Young Stars

Rhys was a keen sports fan who wanted to give sporting experiences to other young cancer sufferers. Rhys was an incredibly active boy, who enjoyed watching and playing multiple sports. He supported his local football team Coventry City FC and played junior football for Christ the King FC. He also enjoyed supporting both Newcastle United and Liverpool FC on TV. Rhys shared a love of American Football with his Dad, Dave. Both Rhys and Dave were supporters of the Miami Dolphins and Rhys followed in his father’s footsteps (Dave was a former Coventry Jet) playing Flag American Football for the Coventry Cougars Flag American Football Team Rhys, along with his younger brother Aaron, also achieved a blue belt in Traditional Style Taekwondo. In May 2019, Rhys (aged just 12) was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer which forms in soft tissue. Over the ensuing months Rhys battled the cancer, undertaking chemotherapy and radiation treatment. He did so with incredible bravery and his passion for life and kindness to all those he met made him a truly special young man. In 2020, he made a trip to see his Liverpool idols play at Anfield (with the help of the Barrie Wells Trust - Box4Kids ). Having a great and truly special day out inspired Rhys and he expressed a wish to help other children have similar days out to give them hope, and so 'Raising the Hopes of Young Stars' (RHYS) was born. Rhys will forever be a bright star in all of the lives of the people he touched. His legacy lives on – his family made a promise to him to raise money and support other young rising stars, just like Rhys. Rhys ’, a star who will always shine brightly.