Hundreds of people turned out for the funeral of a dad-of-three who died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour at 39.
A service has been held at Saint Peter’s Church in Bishop's Waltham to celebrate the life of Ricky Smith.
In March, Ricky, from Bishop's Waltham, was given 15 months to live but sadly died just months later.
Mourners gathered in the village of Bishop's Waltham village centre before following the hearse carrying Ricky up to the gates of Saint Peter’s Church.
Accompanying Ricky’s coffin was an arrangement of flowers spelling ‘Daddy’.
Following the hearse was flatbed truck, marking Ricky's job as a groundworker, carrying arrangements of flowers and personal messages from loved ones.
Among the floral messages were messages including: ‘My son Ricky’, ‘My cuz’ and ‘Ricks Army’.
Ricky’s family told the Echo: “As a family we would like to thank everyone for their love and support through our Ricky’s journey.
READ MORE: Dad given just months to live after aggressive brain tumour diagnosis
“The love and generosity our Rick has been shown from family, friends and the local community has blown us away – we will be forever grateful.
“Our Rick was a loved boy as you can see by the turnout of mourners today.”
In February, Ricky, who also has one stepson, started suffering from headaches which were initially dismissed as being due to lack of water and sleep.
His fiancée Katrina Binfield, 41, booked him an optician’s appointment in March thinking that he may need glasses.
READ MORE: Hundreds expected at funeral for dad-of-three who died after cancer battle
During the appointment, blood was found behind his eyes and he was rushed to the hospital where he underwent a scan.
It was then found Ricky had a grade 4 butterfly glioblastoma - a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumour.
A fundraiser was launched by a family friend, which only a week after launching has already raised more than £75,000, reaching its goal.
After Ricky's death, his brother Aaron Smith posted on Facebook and said: "You fought hard and didn’t go easily my bro.
“I will always be proud of the way you kept your dignity and strength throughout this battle.”
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