Bridlington Leisure Association chair Reece Holland has announced he is temporarily stepping back from his position following a recent cancer diagnosis, prompting businesses across the town to express their support for his hard work promoting the area.
Reece Holland has announced he will be taking a step back from his role as chair of the Bridlington Leisure Association this month after receiving a cancer diagnosis, with the news eliciting a wave of support from the local community.
In an emotional video posted via social media, which has since been viewed by more than 130,000 people, Holland confirmed his “semi-retirement” and thanked those who’d backed his leadership of the BLA.
“The last four or five days I haven’t done any videos,” said Holland. “Well, I have got a tumour in my throat. I’ve been to the doctor… and I have got cancer of the tongue. So I’ll be retiring from the BLA for a while, and if anyone else wants to pick that job up, you’re more than welcome.”
The video, posted on 20 July, has since received more than 2,500 reactions and 1,400 comments, including many from local businesses thanking Holland for his work championing the town.
And his temporary absence will be deeply missed. Holland is a zealous ambassador for the town, delivering the most informative, positive and proactive tourist campaign for the reviving seaside resort. Indeed, his videos both entertained viewers and inspired visitors to the town wit his contribution playing a significant role in Bridlington’s comeback.
And the town folk have appreciated it.
“Reece, you are a big inspiration to Brid,” said a spokesperson for the Portly Perisher Tea Rooms. “You got this mate, you’re a fighter and you will get through this.”
“Stay strong Reece,” said a spokesperson for Milners Homemade Bakery, while Ruby Soho Coffee said: “You’re an unreal guy and you’re so loved by a lot of people.”
The Bridlington Old Town Association said: “All the best with your treatment, be strong. You’re a good man,” while Bondville Model Village added “we are rooting for you!”
“Thank you for the work you do and I’m sure you will continue to do, please let me know if there’s anything we can do to help – sending strength and best wishes.”
And Holland’s ambassdorial tendencies indicate a temporary shift in focus with his honest announcement of the cancer diagnosis resonating with many people. In terms of inspiration, Reece Holland comes from a long line of inspiring characters in the industry – and his latest posting announcing his temporary absence defined that sense of strength, purpose and, of course, humour.
And less than 24 hours he was back…
Only temporarily though…Reece Holland was back on Bridlington video duty just one day after announcing that he was stepping back at the BLA. His latest posting came following a hugely successful £1000 tombola he had organised for the Hook and Parrot pub whichwas actually won on the first night. “I didn’t anticipate that,” he joked from his car en route to London for his first cancer consultation. He went on to explain that the night earlier he organised another £1000 tombola just before stepping back again, and also wanted to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who had messaged him. In true Holland courage, he signed off: “Go steady everybody, wish me luck and I shall see you on the other side!”
Stepping back
Reece Holland said… “The last four or five days I haven’t done any videos. Well, I have got a tumour in my throat. I’ve been to the doctor… and I have got cancer of the tongue. So I’ll be retiring from the BLA for a while…”
