Sheppey dad Rick Smith dies five months after brain tumour diagnosis

A much-loved dad who was battling a rare brain tumour has died, his devastated fiancee has confirmed.

Rick Smith was given 15 months to live after he was diagnosed with an inoperable Butterfly Astroblastoma – a rare brain cancer – having originally gone to the doctor after experiencing headaches.

The 40-year-old, from Thistle Hill, Minster, on Sheppey, battled the disease and his plight inspired family and friends to raise an astonishing £100,000-plus total to fund treatment in an attempt to prolong his life.

However, he died on Wednesday, July 3. He leaves his fiancee, Katrina Binfield, three sons and a stepson: Louis, Karson, Arlo and Roman.

Katrina, Rick’s partner of 10 years, had been by his side the whole time.

The make-up artist set up a TikTok account for people to follow Rick’s progress, with almost 24,000 followers.

In an emotional post yesterday (Sunday), she wrote: “My best friend, my soul mate, my one true love.

“Cruelly stripped from us so soon when you still had years ahead of you and memories to make.

“To say I am heartbroken is an understatement. Part of me went with you in that room as you took your last breaths.

“I miss you so much. Thank you for giving me our three beautiful boys.

“I made a promise to you that I will forever love and protect them and that promise I will uphold.

“Thank you for making me smile and laugh always. Thank you for showing me what true love really is. I don't think I will ever get over losing you. Forever your girl.”

When Rick originally went to the doctors in February he was sent home and told to try drinking water but the headaches persisted.

A few days later, in March, the bricklayer had an eye test and it was during the optometrists examination that concerns were first highlighted.

The doctor referred Rick immediately to hospital where he had a CT scan and after being referred once more to King’s College Hospital in London it was here he was given his terminal diagnosis.

From there his health declined, slowly losing the ability to speak and keep full control of his limbs.

In May, he started a regimen of private tailor-made medication in hopes of helping him fight the illness.

His brother Aaron flew to Lithuania to the Innovita Research Centre, an organisation that invests in anti-ageing and immunotherapy medicines.

The private medicine was paid for by money donated through a GoFundMe that eventually raised £102,298 for the family.

Rick had gone through the treatment on a weekly basis.

Reacting to Katrina’s TikTok post, hundreds of people left messages of condolence.

He was described as a “one in a million”, a “true fighter” and a “wonderful man”.