A Kiwi dad who saw the community rally around him after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer - raising money for him to receive a rare, experimental treatment in the United States - has died, leaving family "deeply wounded".
Kurt Brunton, 41, was the second known New Zealander to take part in the immunotherapy CAR-T trial, which is based in Boston, in his fight for his life.
The treatment cost $1.5 million, but a Givealittle page was set up to help raise funds for Mr Brunton, who was a Remuera software accountant.
The page has raised more than $205,000.
However, when Mr Brunton's condition rapidly deteriorated he was flown home on New Year's Eve, wife Janelle Brunton-Rennie wrote on Instagram.
"He spent two days at home with Sage (his daughter) and I where we lavished him in kisses and cuddles and was then admitted to hospital."
Mr Brunton died surrounded by family, she posted.
"On January 7th at 9.52pm just a few hours after lots of kisses and cuddles from Sage and with me and his mum and brother holding his beautiful, strong hands, Kurt slipped away," his widow wrote.
"I can’t even begin to describe the depths of this ocean of pain and sadness I’m trying to stay afloat in. Christ I am so proud of the courageous battle he fought.
"My heart is in pieces. My soul is deeply wounded."
SHARE ME