Belfast teen loses life to Covid: Taylor’s cheeky grin will live on

A Belfast teenager who fought a brave fight having suffered a brain injury at an early age has passed away after falling ill to coronavirus.
Taylor Reid, a 15-year-old boy from Ballysillan, miraculously survived severe head injuries but lost his life to coronavirus on Good FridayTaylor Reid, a 15-year-old boy from Ballysillan, miraculously survived severe head injuries but lost his life to coronavirus on Good Friday
Taylor Reid, a 15-year-old boy from Ballysillan, miraculously survived severe head injuries but lost his life to coronavirus on Good Friday

Taylor Reid from Ballysillan survived devastating head injuries from a bike accident at the age of 10 in 2016 and the Hill Croft pupil had to fight for his life again in 2019 when his condition saw him rushed to St George’s Hospital in London.

Having proved himself to be a battler his parents Cheryl and David were devastated when the 15-year-old was admitted to intensive care with coronavirus last month, a fight which proved too great for him.

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Taylor’s parents spoke to Belfast Live about their heartbreaking loss. They said: “He touched the hearts of many and there will be a big emptiness left in many people across Northern Ireland and afar.”

“He fought so hard at every admission of hospital and every time left the doors of the children’s RVH with the biggest smile on his face.

“He made many friends in the children’s RVH through doctors, physios, nurses, consultants and even the cleaning staff. Everyone loved to see that cheeky smile on his face.

“He loved music, loved his band, loved trips to the caravan, but most of all he loved his life. Taylor will never be forgotten - he is in so many people’s hearts. If love could have kept your here you would still be here, you were loved by everyone.”

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Taylor was a pupil at Hill Croft School in Newtownabbey. Expressing their deep sadness, his school said: “Taylor joined Hill Croft in early 2017. He made progress in ways we could never imagine and his fighting spirit meant that he never gave up, despite the odds, he rallied and came back to us many times.

“Taylor was well known and loved by all staff and pupils.

“He was often seen at the office or in the corridors giving elbow high fives with that cheeky grin.

“He had a mighty sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye, he loved nothing more than people having banter and a bit of a joke with him.

“Over the last year he has remained at home with his family and his health has been deteriorating.

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“He has enjoyed learning at home when he has been well enough. Sadly, this time, his strength just wasn’t enough.

“Taylor’s family are very much part of the Hill Croft community. Our school family grieves with David, Cheryl, Brooke, Cole, Romi, Shirley and the whole family circle who are very much in our thoughts. We send them our love and support.

“We will so greatly miss this remarkable boy who touched so many lives, we are grateful to have had the honour of knowing him.”

Sons of Ulster Old Boys said on Facebook: “On behalf of the members and officers of the souob we send our condolences to the family and friends of our young member Taylor Reid who passed away.

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“You will always be in our hearts and thoughts wee man and we pray to god to give your family the strength to get through the coming days and weeks ahead! God bless you wee man.”

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