Reece Holland is aiding his recovery from surgery by doing something incredibly positive and inspiring others to get involved.
Thirteen days after major surgery to remove cancerous tumours from his tongue and neck, Bridlington Showman, entrepreneur and chairman of the town’s Leisure Association, Reece Holland, was back on his beloved Bridlington promenade.
But instead of taking it easy in a deckchair, he was busy picking litter with a group of 40 other people, some of whom have recovered or are recovering from the same surgery.
Reece was diagnosed on July 11 this year, and the operation to remove the cancer took place on 18 August at the London Clinic Cancer Centre. The surgery was carried out using a pioneering robotic procedure to remove a 2.5cm tumour from the base of his tongue and a 4.5cm tumour level 2 lymph nodule from his neck.
Helping others
Using the power of his social media accounts, this popular young man kept all well-wishers and followers updated on his surgery and recovery, often from his hospital bed.
Rather than feeling down and sorry for himself, however, Reece was feeling inspired to help other people who are suffering, recovering or have family members or friends enduring this horrible illness. As well as that, he wanted to give something back to the community that had shown him and his family so much love and support.
Having lived an outdoor life, and exercise being a vital part of his recovery, Reece hit on the idea of litter picking, starting off with an 8am meet-up at the family’s public house, Hook & Parrot.
To Reece’s amazement, 40 people turned up for what it’s hoped will become a weekly event. Some of those in attendance splintered into smaller groups and encouraged other residents in the town to get involved with litter picking, spreading out across their communities.
Local businesses A Brunton Waste Management services, Biffa, Steve Boldarinni and East Riding of Yorkshire Council donated high-viz vests, litter pickers, rings and bags, as well as agreeing to collect the bags after the pick.
Taking inspiration
World’s Fair set an early morning alarm, donned a high-viz vest and joined in the pick, spending time talking to Reece, who was quick to thank everyone for turning out at such an early hour on a Sunday.
Reece told us that when he was given the diagnosis his world fell apart, but he was quick to tell himself he could fight and beat this cancer, taking inspiration from local people Malcolm Malton and Robin Beevers, who have both been diagnosed in the last 18 months.
Malcolm has just been given the all clear after successful treatment, while sadly for Robin the cancer was too progressive for surgery, but he is responding well to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Reece was keen to not let this health setback affect his wellbeing, and wanted others who have suffered or are suffering any illness to feel free to pop down and enjoy light refreshments and share their personal experiences.
One of the early side effects of his treatment is temporary partial paralysis to the left side of his face, which his medical team have said will improve with use in time. Reece loves to talk – in fact, it’s sometimes hard to shut him up – so these Sunday morning litter picks will give his face plenty of exercise.
Reece will need to go for regular check-ups over the next five years, but his fighting spirit and determination will no doubt help him make a full recovery. Everybody is welcome to join Reece on a litter pick meeting at the Hook & Parrot in Bridlington at 8am every Sunday, to have a brew, a chat and laugh.
