Community rallies together to give rainbow-coloured tribute to boy, three, with a rare form of terminal cancer – attracting a 7,000-vehicle strong parade featuring the Hell’s Angels and a marching band
A community in Wales has rallied in support of a three-year-old boy suffering from terminal cancer by holding a 7,000-vehicle strong parade.
Morgan Ridler was diagnosed with adreno cortical carcinoma – a rare form of cancer – at just two-years-old in October 2021.
He is now in palliative care and may not even live to see his fourth birthday on 7 July after doctors told him and his family the cancer had spread rapidly.
Doctors have even said the young boy from Gorseinon near Swansea may have just two weeks to live.
The tragedy spurred of thousands local people including the Hell’s Angels and an entire marching band to rally in support of Morgan.
Three-year-old Morgan Ridler was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in October 2021
Thousands of local people in Gorseinon near Swansea rallied through the streets in tribute to the boy
Local roads were cleared of traffic as lines of motorbikes passed by the house from which Morgan lay watching in a garden outside.
Colourful bunting was also draped across the street as curbs and walls were painted in rainbow colours to mark the parade and pay tribute to the boy.
A person dressed as Spider-Man even delivered a gift to Morgan as he lay smiling in the sun.
The heart-warming tribute saw a convoy of 7,000 vehicles pass through the Welsh town as locals showed their support.
Morgan’s mother Ms Ridler said: ‘Last week Morgan was given two weeks to live after a 20 month battle with a rare cancer.
‘The childhood cancer ward on which he was treated is called rainbow ward, as rainbows always come after storms.
A marching band paid tribute to Morgan Ridler by performing while walking past his house
Morgan Ridler was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer when he was just two years old
‘Our community wanted to symbolise this to honour him and the other children who have fought on the rainbow ward, and so the idea was born to paint rainbows all along the curbs on the road where we live.
‘Rainbows are a symbol of hope for anyone who needs them and so for the community, despite Morgan’s terminal diagnosis, he has become a symbol of hope as he always has a smile and joy for life.
‘We started a small charity in his name some months ago and we support families of children who are fighting cancer in South Wales.
‘So his legacy is love. Cancer doesn’t win, love does.’
Tear-jerking footage of the parade shows Morgan’s garden laden with rainbow colours, as a convoy of vehicles driving slowly through the street as residents cheer them on.
‘Our community and Swansea came together in a massive way today to show love for Morgan with Morgan’s Ride Out,’ a video caption reads.
‘Over 7,000 vehicles convoyed. Cars, motorcycles, vans, lorries and buses – Morgan loved it!’
A person dressed as Spiderman gave Morgan a gift as he watched the impressive parade
Doctors now say Morgan may have just two weeks left to live and may miss his fourth birthday on 7 July
‘Plenty of generous donations to our charity so Morgan’s legacy of helping other families like others will continue!’
The camera then pans to a smiling Morgan who points in glee at the parade, as the text reads: ‘You are so loved.’
The footage was uploaded to social media by Morgan’s mother Natalie Ridler yesterday with the caption: ‘Such an incredible day for our special boy.’
The clip has since gained over 11,000 likes and more than 300 comments from users left moved by the tribute to the youngster.
One user said: ‘My boyfriend rode his bike. He said he felt so emotional, life is so cruel. Such a brave little boy, sending my love to the family.’
Another replied: ‘It was such an honour to march and be part of this today.’
A third added: ‘How beautiful to live in such a supportive community, and happiness on Morgan’s face, keep going little man.’
Another commented: ‘Good luck little one. Hope you had a great day, keep smiling.’
A fifth said: ‘Stumbled across Morgan’s story on Facebook. Part of me wishes I was still ignorant to how cruel this world is sometimes. You are an inspiration.’
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