Rally for Richard: Help Him Heal and Come Home

Hi everyone,

I’m writing as Richard’s sister-in-law, Keri Adams, on behalf of our whole family.

On November 13th, Richard Smith — a gentle, warm, endlessly generous soul and a musician loved by so many — was rushed to Redhill Hospital in East Surrey after suddenly going into septic shock. He was admitted straight to the ICU, where he spent a week while doctors worked urgently to find the cause.

They eventually discovered a large kidney stone blocking his ureter, which had caused a severe infection to spread throughout his body. He has since undergone surgery to place a stent. Though he is thankfully stable now, he remains extremely weak and may need to stay in the hospital for several more weeks, followed by a long period of recovery.

All of this is happening while he is far from home — separated from his wife Julie and their precious doggies in Nashville. His mum and brothers are with him here in the UK, offering support and love, but it has been an incredibly difficult time for everyone.

Why we’re asking for help

Because Richard is an American in the UK, he does not qualify for free medical care through the NHS. Emergency treatment is provided, but once a patient is stable, non-residents are charged for hospital stays, surgeries, tests, and ongoing care. Even a single night in the hospital can cost over £1,000, and surgery adds thousands more. These bills are already piling up, and Richard will be personally responsible for them — U.S. health insurance does not pay UK hospitals directly.

On top of the medical crisis, Richard has had to cancel his gigs for the foreseeable future, which is especially difficult during what is normally one of the busiest and most important earning seasons of the year for a working musician.

Richard needs our support

Richard would never ask for help himself. He has spent his life giving — through his music, through teaching, and through every interaction marked by his kindness and warmth. He is deeply loved by friends, fans, fellow musicians, and of course by our family.

Now it’s our turn to show up for him.

We are hoping to raise $50,000 to help cover:

• His growing UK hospital bills

• Surgery and follow-up care

• Medications and long-term recovery needs

• Lost income while he heals

• Travel and living expenses while he remains far from home

Anything you can give — truly anything — will help ease the enormous strain on Richard and Julie and allow him to focus on getting well enough to come home to the people (and pups) who love him.

Thank you for reading, sharing, donating, and caring. It means more than you know.

With love and gratitude,

Keri Adams

Richard’s sister-in-law