Stuart’s solace in last days

A 42-year-old terminally ill man was able to get out in the sunshine in his last few days thanks to donations from the community.

Stuart Smart died in St Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln on Monday, October 16.
The dad of two, who also has an eight-month-old grandson, was diagnosed with inoperable brain tumours just last month.
He first went to the doctor on August 21 after pins and needles in his right arm and leg had worsened.
Stuart married his partner Philippa on September 8 and, last month she launched a Go Fund Me page to raise £3,000 for a wheelchair he could use particularly to see his sons Ryan and Jamie and grandson Artie.
She also hoped he may be able to enjoy his passion of airsoft, a team shooting game using airguns.
However Stuart’s condition deteriorated.
Before his death they were able to purchase a wheelchair that allowed Philippa to get him out and about in the area.
“Stuart was overwhelmed by the response” said Philippa, whose birthday was the day of her husband’s death. “He couldn’t believe how kind people were and how fast the donations were coming.
“We had to cancel the appointment we had with the mobility company because we caught COVID-19 and ended-up back in Pilgrim Hospital.
“We did, however, purchase and take delivery of a manual wheelchair and I got him out in the garden and walked around the block with him on the day it arrived. That was bought from some of the money received.
“The remaining money will be put towards the cost of his final arrangements.”
Stuart’s funeral is due to take place at Surfleet Crematorium at 11am on November 8. Those attending from the airsoft community have been asked to attend wearing full kit.
“He was my missing piece of sky in the jigsaw of life and leaves the biggest gap that couldn’t ever be filled,” Philippa continued.
“The bravest man who took everything the last eight weeks threw at him in his stride and kept his sense of humour throughout like a real trooper, but unfortunately when the seizures returned it was just too much.”