AN “inspirational” and “courageous” young man has lost his battle against two aggressive brain tumours.

Reece Hawley's tragic death came just a day after family, friends, tutors and hospice staff joined forces to make sure he did not miss out on his graduation ceremony.

Forty guests went to St Luke’s Hospice, in Nethermayne, Basildon, on Thursday to watch Reece, 21, receive his Early Years Education degree following three years of hard work.

Reece, of Clayhill Road, Basildon, had been battling brain tumours for 18 months, but was determined not to let three gruelling rounds of chemotherapy stand in the way of his dream to become a primary school teacher.

The ceremony, which took place in the hospice’s inpatient unit, was organised ahead of the official course graduation at South Essex College, in Southend, later this month.

Following the emotional event, mum Karen Hawley, 50, said: “It was a wonderful event.

“We are so proud of Reece and are grateful to the college and St Luke’s for making today possible.’’

Course leader Stella Harcourt, who presented Reece with his degree, said he was a “real character” who brought fun and laughter to lectures.

During the ceremony, she said: “It is a great pleasure to be able to present him with the diploma. It is well deserved.’’

Family, friends and strangers from across the world raised more than £74,000 so the former Woodlands School pupil could try cancer drug Avastin.

Consultants recommended the drug after chemotherapy proved unsuccessful.

But Avastin is no longer available on the NHS and costs a staggering £6,800 for a three-week course.

Reece began the treatment last month, but his first scan showed that while it was working, the tumours were far too aggressive.

He took a turn for the worse nearly two weeks ago and moved to St Luke’s on Saturday, October 4.

He passed away peacefully yesterday morning surrounded by his loved ones.

His family have vowed to continue fundraising, and plan to set up a foundation in his name to raise awareness of brain tumours and the treatments available.

A joint statement said: “Reece is one of, and will continue to be, the most inspirational and courageous persons you could ever wish to meet and has taught us so much about life and we are so very proud of him.’’