A KIDDERMINSTER man who was given an early festive treat in August due to a rare brain condition that gave him months to live has died just weeks before Christmas.

The devastated family of Christmas-loving Henry Smith revealed the 22-year-old passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday (November 25).

He had been born with the condition microcephaly and also suffered from epilepsy. When he was born, doctors said Henry would probably only live until he was two.

But earlier this year, Henry developed a heart condition and his parents Tony and Diane and sisters Ruby, Samantha and Sammy Jo were told he could die within weeks.

To ensure Henry got to enjoy his favourite time of the year, family and friends rallied round the Smiths to help organise a Christmas party along with a visit from Santa on his sleigh at his Kidderminster home.

Sammy Jo told the Shuttle: “Henry passed away on November 25 and we are all heartbroken.

“It all seems too soon and it happened too quickly but we have some comfort in the fact he died peacefully and he was not suffering.

“Henry loved Christmas and he had a wonderful and beautiful time back in August. It was wonderful to be able to give him such a lovely day with so many people there for him. He died wearing his Santa suit.

“We did manage to take him to West Midland Safari Park after that but he later became too ill.

“Henry was a truly special guy. He never complained about anything. It just does not seem real that he has gone.”

Henry’s funeral will take place on December 12 with a service being held at Holy Innocents’ Church in Stourport Road, Foley Park. This will be followed by a burial at Wyre Forest Crematorium.

Sammy Jo added that everyone who knew Henry would be welcome to attend to pay their last respects to him.