Rhys Russell, an 18-year-old football fan, tragically passed away from melanoma skin cancer. His family, devastated by the loss, now seeks to fulfill his final wish of having his ashes scattered at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, despite financial struggles.

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Introduction:

The loss of 18-year-old Rhys Russell has brought heartache to his family, particularly as the young football enthusiast’s tragic death was caused by melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Diagnosed in November 2021, the cancer was hard to detect due to his thick, curly hair, which concealed the dangerous mole on his scalp. Despite undergoing extensive treatments, Rhys passed away in March 2025, just before fulfilling his last wish: to have his ashes scattered at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, the home of his beloved football team.

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The Hidden Danger of Melanoma:

Before his diagnosis, Rhys, who was an avid Manchester City supporter, had no visible symptoms that suggested anything was wrong. It was only when his family noticed a red patch on his scalp that they became concerned. At first, the patch appeared benign, and it wasn’t until it started bleeding that they sought medical advice. “Rhys had said the spot had been there for ages and would bleed now and then, but he never mentioned it hurt,” said his stepdad, Oli Russell.

Lauren, his mother, added, “With his curly hair, we didn’t realize it was anything serious. It just looked like a mole. It wasn’t until the bleeding that we thought we should get it checked out.” This seemingly small detail led to Rhys’s devastating diagnosis of melanoma.

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Diagnosis and Struggle:

In November 2021, Rhys was diagnosed with melanoma on his scalp. Although melanoma is most commonly seen in older adults and areas exposed to the sun, Rhys’s case was rare for someone his age. The diagnosis came as a shock, but it was the beginning of a relentless battle. Rhys underwent cancer-targeted therapy and radiotherapy, but the cancer spread rapidly, and by January 2023, it had reached his liver, lungs, and spine.

“By the time we realized how bad it had gotten, he was in immense pain, and we had to switch to strong painkillers like fentanyl patches,” explained Lauren. “He was writhing in agony, and we had to rush him to the hospital.” Despite the grueling treatments, the cancer continued to spread, and Rhys’s health deteriorated rapidly.

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The Heartbreaking Final Days:

Oli and Lauren did everything they could to make Rhys’s last days memorable, fulfilling one of his final wishes: to meet his favorite football player, Jack Grealish. Thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Rhys was able to meet Grealish via Zoom, a moment that brought him immense joy. “It was amazing,” Oli said. “Jack was so kind and spent time talking to him and even sent him a signed shirt. Rhys was so happy.”

Ten minutes before he passed, Rhys watched the video of his meeting with Jack Grealish once again. “It was the last thing he saw,” Oli shared. Rhys’s deep love for Manchester City and his football dreams defined much of his life, and the meeting with his idol brought him joy in his final moments.

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A Final Wish:

In those final days, Rhys made one more request that his family is determined to fulfill: “I want to be cremated, and my ashes scattered at the memorial garden at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium,” he told them calmly, demonstrating incredible strength in the face of such overwhelming adversity.

As his family tries to make this wish come true, they are also grappling with the costs of his funeral. “We’ve spent everything on the funeral, and now the trip to Manchester is an additional financial strain,” Oli said. In light of this, they’ve set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds, so they can bring Rhys’s ashes to the place that meant so much to him.

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Spreading Awareness:

The Russell family’s experience has prompted them to raise awareness about melanoma, which often goes undetected in younger people. “There’s a misconception that melanoma only affects older people or those with sun-damaged skin,” said Oli. “It’s not true. Rhys’s case shows that it can happen to anyone, and if you notice something unusual on your skin, no matter how small it seems, you should get it checked.”

Rhys’s parents, both healthcare professionals—Lauren, a community nurse, and Oli, a student nurse—are now dedicated to helping others by sharing their painful story. They want people to understand the importance of early detection and encourage others to seek medical advice if they notice any changes to their skin.

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A Legacy of Courage:

Rhys’s courage in the face of his diagnosis and the devastation it caused his family has left a lasting impact. Oli reflects, “It’s surreal. He was our son, and seeing him fade away like that, not being able to walk or talk, it’s something no parent should have to go through.” Despite the sorrow, Oli and Lauren remain determined to honor their son’s memory by raising awareness and ensuring that his wish is granted.

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Conclusion:

The story of Rhys Russell is one of profound loss, but also of remarkable courage and love. His family’s commitment to fulfilling his last wish and raising awareness about melanoma will help keep his memory alive. If you can contribute to the GoFundMe campaign, you can help the family honor Rhys’s final wish and bring his ashes to the memorial garden he cherished.