A 13-year-old Cradley Heath boy who lost his fight with a cruel degenerative disease will be honoured by West Bromwich Albion tonight.
Regan Nash suffered from the rare mitochondrial disease MTT1 - his strain of the condition was so rare that he was one of only two people in the world to suffer from it.
Sadly Baggies fan Regan died on February 7 in Birmingham Children's Hospital devastating his family and thousands of supporters who followed his progress on the facebook page Regan's Fight for life with Mitochondrial Disease.
Now West Brom will pay tribute to the fun-loving teen at their match against Blackburn Rovers at the Hawthorns tonight (Monday February 14) and help raise awareness of the condition, the same condition suffered by Charlie Gard who died aged 11 months.
The club tweeted: "We're deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of young Albion fan Regan Nash.
"The club will remember Regan in the 13th minute of our game against @Rovers by displaying a tribute on the big screens at The Hawthorns.
"Rest in peace, Regan."
We're deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of young Albion fan Regan Nash.
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) February 12, 2022
The club will remember Regan in the 13th minute of our game against @Rovers by displaying a tribute on the big screens at The Hawthorns.
Rest in peace, Regan. 💙 pic.twitter.com/mS2omE2RpR
Mum Melanie Lowe said the family had been overwhelmed by the support they had received.
She said: "Our beautiful boy took his last breaths like a trooper he is, he went pain free and so peaceful.
"He put up an amazing fight like he always does!
"Honestly couldn't be more prouder of his 13 years, he put up an amazing fight.
"My heart has gone with him and our life will never be the same again."
Melanie thanked the "amazing" staff at Birmingham Children's Hospital who she said "did everything they could."
Regan, of Norwood Avenue, was given just nine months to live at birth and was only given his official diagnosis in 2018.
Despite his condition he lived life to the full and loved Pandas, bin lorries, Baggie Bird and formed a bond with firefighters at Haden Cross Fire Station.
Melanie said there is very little known by the general public about Mitochondrial Disease and that the family - stepdad Craig Lowe and siblings Kai Nash aged nine and Laci Lowe, aged seven cherished every moment they had with Regan as his health declined.
The Lily Foundation is the UK's leading charity dedicated to fighting Mitochondrial Disease. It has been backed by comedian Peter Kay who has raised £34k for it.
Melanie and Kai and Laci, who attend Timbertree Academy, also have the condition, but in much less severe forms, and show no outward symptoms.
A Go Fund Me Page has been set up to raise funds for a memorial bench at Haden Hill Park. It can be found here.
The appeal states: "Regan fought for 13 years and never ever complained or asked why him.
"He loved life, was loved by everyone and had a great sense of humour.
"His smile lit up every room.
"Regan was a homely boy who was happiest at home, and he loved spending time at Haden Hill Park."
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