A 13-year-old boy who loved life and was “always smiling” has left behind an incredible legacy, with his proud family determined to give him a resting place which does him justice.
Tommylee Markwell’s favourite film was The Greatest Showman, a musical about an entertainer who valued people shunned by the rest of the world and helped them triumph against all odds.
Tommylee loved it and would sometimes watch the film multiple times a day.
The movie stars Hugh Jackman – but really, said Tommylee’s proud father, Lee Markwell, the greatest showman was always Tommylee.
Tommylee died on April 20, aged 13.
“He was incredible,” said Lee. “He was a brave little warrior.
“He’s gone through so many battles and he defeated the odds.”
Tommylee arrived in the world on January 28, 2013, to Lee and his wife, Michelle. He was the youngest of their four boys, joining older brothers Josh, Charlie and Louie.
At birth, Tommylee was not diagnosed with any health conditions. However, as he got older, Lee and Michelle grew worried that he was not meeting the milestones their other sons had, like rolling over – even though he “really, really tried,” said Lee.
As he got older, Tommylee began to have epileptic seizures and muscle spasms. He was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, dystonia and sleep apnoea. Tommylee was nonverbal and couldn’t eat using his mouth and so was fed via tube. He suffered with many chest infections during his life, with one leading him to be hospitalised for 16 weeks, with mum Michelle remaining at his bedside throughout.
However, for all these complications, Tommylee never stopped making the most of every day.
“He was always happy – he always had a smile on his face,” said Lee. “He was happy, joyous.”
As well as The Greatest Showman, Tommylee loved football, was a passionate rugby fan and a dedicated supporter of Ipswich Town. His first name was an homage to both his father and one of Lee’s friends, the former Town player Tommy Smith.
Tommylee lived at home with his family for a few years but was looked after by professional foster carers as his needs grew more complex.
He was first looked after by carers in Mendlesham. Later, he was fostered by a couple in Ipswich, Laura and Alex. Tommylee was with them for 10 years.
After his diagnosis, Tommylee’s family was told that he would likely die before his sixth birthday. However, he more than beat these odds, and was able to have many unforgettable experiences.
These including seeing Ed Sheeran’s homecoming show at Chantry Park, being a mascot for Ipswich Town, and seeing the England rugby team play at Twickenham.
At one match, Tommylee caught the attention of Joe Launchbury. Catching sight of Tommylee in his wheelchair, the player leapt over the fence and came to give Tommylee a hug and said that he would be back.
Sure enough, Launchbury did return – and brought with him a rugby ball, which had been signed by every player.
Tommylee was also a “globe-trotter”, and had enjoyed several holidays in Portugal, France and Spain.
Last month, Lee and Michelle received a call from Laura and Alex, telling them that Tommylee’s health had taken a turn for the worse and they should come to their house as soon as they could, which they did.
Tommylee died at 10.30pm on April 20.
“Tommylee will always be in our hearts,” said Lee.
Now, the family is determined that Tommylee’s final resting place will be one that does him justice.
A fundraiser has been started to raise money for a headstone for Tommylee, with any funds left over to be donated to the East Anglia’s Children Hospice.
To donate, click here
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