‘A hard but beautiful day’: Hemel pays respects to boy, 5, who died from rare brain cancer

Leo Rogers, who lived in the town with his parents, died last month after bravely battling brain cancer following a diagnosis in July 2025.

Last week members of the RPM Bike Riders group turned out in their hundreds to ride through the town’s streets in Leo’s memory.

The group turned up wearing blue, red and superhero clothing and rode through the town in the rain, as part of tributes before Leo’s funeral.

When Leo was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer last year doctors found a tumour on his brain, two tumours on his spine and another tumour on his stomach.

Leo’s uncle James Thomas, who organised the motorbike ride, told the Gazette: “Last July Leo started being really unwell, and was sick and tired.

“We thought at first he had food poisoning, but when we took him to Hemel Hempstead Hospital, they had no idea what was wrong.

“He was rushed to Watford and knew something wasn’t right but did not think they had the right equipment to help.

“He was then taken by ambulance to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and underwent a lot of tests and X-rays.

“A couple of days later he was diagnosed with multiple tumours, and underwent numerous operations, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“He learned how to walk and talk again, and the doctors managed to remove the tumour from Leo’s brain, but sadly it came back, and then there was nothing they could do.”

Leo was obsessed with bikes, as well as Spiderman and superheroes, leading his uncle to arrange a bike ride, starting outside Gadebridge Park, in his memory to coincide with his funeral.

“I wanted to make Leo proud and make bit of noise for him,” James said.

“We had nearly 200 bikes from all over the country - it was a mixture of superbikes, cruisers and people from the bike community.

“I wanted to give my nephew the ultimate send-off and so we had a horse and carriage, white horses with red feathers, Marvel superhero flowers, a Spiderman themed coffin and much more.”

Hundreds of red, white and blue balloons were released into the sky following the funeral with James adding: “We were worried that nobody would show up because of the rain, but it just goes to show how strong the community can be.”

A fundraising page set up a week ago by family friend Michelle Phelan has raised £1,310 at the time of writing, with the proceeds from this page going towards the costs of a headstone to remember Leo.

Remembering his nephew James added: “Leo was a true little warrior, who went a year and a half fighting such a battle.

“He loved Marvel and thought he was Spiderman.

“He was a cheeky, happy, funny little character who smiled all the way through his illness - he loved motorbikes and supported Chelsea.

“He was so open-minded for a child, showed no fear and was always laughing and joking. He had his own special aura about him.”

Leo’s dad Michael Rogers told the Gazette: “It was a very hard day but beautiful at the same time.

“I am overwhelmed that so many come together for my lad, and words cannot express how grateful I am.

“Despite everything he went through, Leo never got upset and I tried to stay strong, look at the positives, and hold on to hope for him, and I hope I gave him some strength.

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the fundraising page, and I cannot put into words how grateful I am for all the support.”

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