On the 17th June, Riccardo was diagnosed with a grade two brain stem tumour that needed immediate resection. Unfortunately, Riccardo suffered post surgical complications due cranial nerve damage and went into cardiac arrest. He had long term diplopia, severe dysphagia, imbalance and autonomic dysfunction whereby he was not able to regulate his heart and blood pressure.

After being bedbound for three months, Riccardo fought his way to overcome his postural hypotension and walk again with the assistance of an amazing rehab team at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. Things were looking up and Riccardo was even present at the birth of his son, Gabriele, in October 2013. 

On 27th February 2014 at 0611, two months after being discharged and suffering numerous bouts of aspiration pneumonia, Riccardo died from cardiorespiratory collapse. 

Thinking the worst was behind us, we dared to dream and looked forward to watching our daughter, Lyla (5 years), and Gabriele (4 months) grow up. We had plans to travel around the world and celebrate the renewal of our vows. In a nutshell, we wanted to live out the rest of our lives like any normal family would.

Riccardo's absence has scarred our hearts, but at the same time we know he is at peace and no longer suffering. No one should have to go through what Riccardo went through and that is why we are urging everyone to help make such a dream a reality by making a donation to The Brain Tumour Charity as brain tumour research is so heavily underfunded.