The memory of Rhys Dylan Williams — who won the hearts of the people of Bolton — inspired two of his friends to complete a half marathon to raise money for the hospice that cared for hinm. Rhys was just 18-years-old when he died. Cameron Aspen, 19, and Joe Dean, 17, ran 13.
1 miles in the “Run Heaton” half marathon in Heaton Park, Manchester recently. The pair raised £547 for Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley, where their friend Rhys received end-of-life care before he returned home to spend one last day with his family. He died just before Christmas, on 22 December, 2023 .
Cameron Aspen and Joe Dean “Rhys was one of the most kind-hearted, caring people I ever met,” said Cameron, who is a floor layer. “Me, my twin brother Corie, and Joe grew up knowing this incredibly brave boy. Despite all his struggles with his condition, and going to appointments all the time, he did it all with a smile on his face.
He made everyone smile and laugh no matter what.” Rhys, who lived in Bolton, was born with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a condition which causes the skin to blister. Cameron Aspen and Rhys Dylan Williams “I visited Rhys as much as I possibly could while he was at Derian House,” said Cameron.
“I even stayed over to be there with him. And even though I was just a guest of Rhys ’s, I was treated amazingly while we were there. It was wonderful.
They made us feel at home. Derian House means so much to me because of that. Which is why we decided .
