Rhys Russell’s life was cut short by a fast-moving melanoma that silently spread throughout his body. The 18-year-old from the UK first noticed a small red patch on his scalp in 2021 but didn’t realize it was cancer, partly due to its painless and hidden nature beneath his thick curls.
Diagnosed with stage four melanoma in 2022, the cancer rapidly spread to his liver, lungs, and brain. Despite undergoing targeted therapies and radiotherapy, Rhys endured severe pain and physical decline.
Family members emphasize that melanoma isn’t exclusively caused by excessive sun exposure and can have genetic factors. They urge the public to pay close attention to even minor bodily changes.
Before his passing in early 2025, Rhys found comfort in a video call with his football idol, Manchester City’s Jack Grealish — a moment that brought a brief ray of joy amid his suffering.
Rhys’ family has launched a GoFundMe to honor his wish to have his ashes scattered at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, hoping to raise awareness and spare others from similar loss.
