“He inspires us every day” – nurses who lost son honour his memory

Oliver and Lauren Russell reflect on losing 18-year-old Rhys to cancer while they were studying nursing, and how he shaped their careers

“He inspires us every day” – nurses who lost son honour his memory

Oliver and Lauren Russell reflect on losing 18-year-old Rhys to cancer while they were studying nursing, and how he shaped their careers

20 April 2026

Lauren and Oliver Russell were excited to go into a nursing career: for Lauren, it was a lifelong ambition and, after raising four children, something she felt she could finally pursue, while Oliver’s was to ‘do something meaningful, help people and give back’.

Enrolling at the ��’s Truro School of Nursing, they were ready for the road ahead – but tragedy struck when their eldest son, Rhys, was diagnosed with cancer, and sadly lost his battle.

Now both qualified nurses and working in Cornwall, they carry Rhys’s legacy in everything they do and reflect on how his courage inspires them in their work. Oliver has also signed up to run the London Marathon in his memory.

A new start

Nursing graduate Oliver Russell training for the London Marathon in memory of his stepson, Rhys

Lauren started nursing in September 2020 as she had always wanted to be a nurse, and during the COVID-19 pandemic I could see just how hard the nurses, and student nurses like Lauren, were working, and the difference that they made to people's lives.

This really resonated with me, and after discussing with Lauren, I handed in my notice and in September 2021, I started the adult nursing BSc with the �� (based at the Knowledge Spa, Truro).

Our eldest son, Rhys as well as his three younger brothers, Peter, Connor and Jayden, were so proud that both of us were helping people and having a positive impact in their lives, especially as Rhys loved helping others.

Oliver Russell

While their university experience started well, worries began at home when Rhys discovered a mole on the top of his head and was diagnosed with melanoma in November 2021, aged 15. Despite having the tissue around the area removed, he began to experience pain in his back. Following further x-rays and scans, in November 2022 Oliver, Lauren and Rhys received the news that his cancer had spread.

Persevering – and a proud qualification

During this time Lauren had to interrupt her placement, and by then I was in the second year of my studies and, due to the shock of this news and the multiple hospital appointments, check-ups and admissions we had to put in extenuating circumstances for assignments.

It was extremely difficult, but we were determined to keep going and supported by lecturers at the Uni with practical and wellbeing help, we later submitted our assignments and passed successfully.

Oliver Russell

It was a really hard time. I would often be up in the night with Rhys, helping him in and out the bath and dealing with pain management or we would both be taking Rhys to appointments and caring for him on daily, as well as caring for Rhys’s brothers. It felt impossible trying to stay on top of everything.

The University was really supportive; the lecturers and our course mates were so caring – and Rhys was adamant that we couldn't give up. He wanted us to keep going as he knew we would both become good nurses. The skills we developed and realised we had while caring for him were immense and we wanted to bring that to other people when we qualified. So, we persevered, no matter how hard.

Lauren Russell

An aspiring games developer, Rhys fought through his pain to go to sixth form to complete his IT diploma, completing it in August 2024 and a month later, Lauren graduated and happily started her new job as a community nurse.

Oliver said:

“We were all so proud of them both.”

Making a promise

Unfortunately, in October 2024 Rhys’s pain worsened and following further tests it was determined that the cancer-targeted therapy he had been undertaking had started to prove ineffective, and he had to undergo radiotherapy treatment to try and manage the pain in the base of his spine.

To make things even more challenging, Oliver’s mother, who was also a great inspiration passed away around the same time, following a brave five-year battle with breast cancer.

At this time, I was scheduled to undertake placement, which I had to postpone. But two weeks later, I persevered and passed the placement with flying colours.

It feels crazy to say it out loud, but I was determined to keep going. I have to give a lot of credit to the charity Young Lives vs Cancer for the support they gave us as a family, as it was invaluable.

Oliver Russell

Sadly, unbeknown to the family Rhys’s health had started to deteriorate further, and in January 2025 the family received the devastating news that the cancer was terminal.

Lauren and I were devastated, but we made a promise to Rhys, and each other, to make every single moment we had left with him as special and meaningful as we could.

Rhys was fiercely proud of us both for becoming nurses and made us both promise to keep studying and working hard to be the best nurses we could be.

During this time, I was writing my dissertation at Rhys’s bedside. It was physically and mentally challenging, but Rhys would keep me motivated, encouraging me with quotes from his favourite Harry Potter films which really spurred me on.

Oliver Russell

We witnessed first hand how the community nurses cared for Rhys, they listened, managed to control his pain and ensured his final days were as comfortable as they could be.

Rhys was a cheeky chappy and the rapport he built with the nurses was evident. The difference they made in those final days is something that Oli and I will carry with us for a lifetime both personally and professionally.

Lauren Russell

Rhys passed away on 15 March 2025 at home surrounded by his family.

A positive legacy

Nursing alumnus, Oliver Russell - with beard and hair dyed for his London Marathon challenge in memory of his late stepson

I wanted nothing more than to honour my promise to Rhys and my mum and to carry on, to become the best nurse I could be, ensuring that I help every patient I come in to contact with to the best of my ability.

Happily, after a long and arduous road I finally graduated in January 2026 and am now a Practice Nurse with St Austell Healthcare.

Rhys was so proud that both of us were helping people and having a positive impact in their lives as he himself loved helping people, always wanting to do his best by everyone. It was something he admired and encouraged in everyone.

He inspires us every day. Lauren and I will always find ways to honour Rhys’s memory, and keep his legacy alive in everything that we do.

In my case that includes running the 2026 London Marathon for the charity Young Lives vs Cancer. We were so touched that our lecturers gave us a cherry blossom tree in remembrance of Rhys, and that Lauren was awarded the ‘Rock’ award at the nursing school’s end of year ceremony. The University lived the experience with us and we’ll never forget that.

University study is hard, and nobody can really prepare you for what life might throw at you alongside – losing Rhys has shaken us to our very core. But with determination, reassurance and support, anything is possible.

Oliver Russell

Support for students at every stage

Oliver, Lauren and their family have been through the most difficult, heartbreaking time. We support our students at every step, so we worked with them to ensure they had everything they needed.

Whether it’s delaying studies, wellbeing support or just being reassured by their peers, everything we do is about supporting our students, alongside helping them to be the best nurses possible.

Our �� nursing team is incredibly close-knit, especially at our satellite campus down here in Truro.

As well as honouring Rhys’s memory with their hard work, I’ve no doubt that their experiences and determination have fed into the outstanding care they now deliver. We’re immensely proud of them.

Mr Tristan Coombe
Oliver’s personal tutor, and Site Lead for the ��’s Truro School of Nursing