Mum's heartbreak as 'absolute warrior' son, 21, dies suddenly at home

Rhys Priestley, 21, died at his home on September 9
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A mum has been left heartbroken by the tragedy of her son's sudden death at the age of 21.

Rhys Priestley, who had severe disabilities, was found by his mother and full-time carer, Adele Brown, at their home last Monday (September 9) at 6.30am. Rhys had been a 'normal, happy child' when at the age of five he collapsed 'out of the blue' after suffering a bleed on the brain.

He spent three weeks in intensive care and nine months in hospital as he underwent several operations. The incident left him with severe disabilities and complex needs, unable to walk, talk or feed himself, requiring constant care.

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In an emotional statement, Adele said: "It feels like I lost Rhys and got a new Rhys and now it feels like I've lost him again. I've lost him twice."

Despite recently battling pneumonia, Rhys seemed to have recovered well. However, on Monday morning, Adele discovered that he had tragically passed away during the night at home in Wigan.

Rhys was described as an 'absolute warrior'
Rhys was described as an 'absolute warrior'

She added: "I think his body had just had enough. It's just absolutely devastating. I feel numb. He was absolutely wonderful.

"He had a wicked sense of humour. If somebody trumped, he would laugh his head off.

"He loved Mrs Brown's Boys and Mr Bean. And he loved music and Christmas - we used to have to play Christmas songs in June.

"Even though he couldn't talk, his eyes told you how he was feeling. He lit up the room and he touched so many hearts."

"It feels like I've lost him again. I've lost him twice."
"It feels like I've lost him again. I've lost him twice."

A fundraiser has been set up by Adele's cousin Clare Jarvis to help the family with funeral costs. Clare wrote: "Rhys has had a very challenging life but he overcame and fought off illnesses and anything that was thrown at him...

"He was an absolute warrior but each year due to the complex health needs his health deteriorated but he still didn't let that bother him. He was constantly laughing and making people laugh, lighting up every room he was in, everyone who knew him adored him and still do."

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