THE SKIES above Swansea were adorned with a poignant display of love and remembrance as the iconic Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force (RAF) aerobatics team, drew a heart-shaped pattern in honour of three-year-old Morgan Ridler. The courageous young boy tragically lost his battle with a rare form of cancer earlier this week.
Morgan, from Swansea, was diagnosed with the debilitating illness in 2021 at the tender age of two. Despite undergoing eight rounds of chemotherapy, his family received the devastating news that the treatment was no longer effective. Morgan’s indomitable spirit and the unwavering support of his loved ones captured the hearts of many, leading to the creation of “Morgan’s Army,” a charity established by his family.
In a touching tribute at the Swansea Air Show on Saturday, the Red Arrows crafted a heart-shaped formation in the sky, dedicated to Morgan’s Army. The heartfelt display symbolised the love and strength that radiated from Morgan and his family throughout their arduous journey. Swansea Council Chairman, Rob Stewart, announced the tribute over the event’s loudspeakers, ensuring that the entire community joined in remembering the brave young boy.
Before his passing, Morgan was granted a special day filled with extraordinary experiences, organised by the charity Dreams and Wishes in collaboration with his nurse. Tony Curtis, the founder of Dreams and Wishes, shared the heartwarming story of the day. “His nurse called and said he loved supercars and asked if there was any way we could get supercars to drive down his street?” Curtis explained. The charity took to social media, and to their surprise, within a week, approximately 60 supercars paraded through the neighbourhood, leaving Morgan beaming with joy.
But the surprises did not end there. Morgan, who had never flown in an aeroplane before, was given the opportunity to take to the skies at Swansea Airport. The experience brought him immeasurable happiness and created cherished memories for him and his family. Curtis expressed his gratitude for being able to provide those precious moments, saying, “We were just glad we could create those special memories for him and the family.”
Morgan’s parents took to social media to announce his passing, describing their “beautiful boy” as having embarked on his “next great adventure.” He passed away peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by his loved ones at Tŷ Hafan, a children’s hospice in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The heartfelt gestures, from the Red Arrows’ aerial tribute to the joy-filled day arranged by Dreams and Wishes, showcased the incredible strength and resilience displayed by Morgan Ridler and his family. Their journey has inspired and touched the hearts of people far and wide, serving as a reminder of the power of love, unity, and community support in the face of adversity. Morgan’s memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will continue to inspire acts of kindness and compassion.
As Swansea and its surrounding communities mourn the loss of this brave little soul, they stand united in celebrating Morgan’s life and the indelible mark he left on their hearts. His spirit will soar alongside the Red Arrows, forever reminding us of the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life’s most challenging trials.
