Plymouth man dies on dream Japan F1 vacation as household makes determined plea
Richard Weeks, 30, died in his sleep from what is believed to be pulmonary edema while on his dream holiday to Japan, his family are now desperate to bring him home
Richard Weeks, from Plymouth, who has died in the Far East, March 2026(Image: Submitted)
The family of a “kindhearted” man have been left reeling after he tragically passed away during his “dream holiday” to the Far East. Richard Weeks, who was only 30-years-old, died in his sleep from what is suspected to be a pulmonary edema, a lung condition associated with heart failure, while visiting Japan.
He had travelled to the country from his home in Plymouth to attend the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the end of last month, but sadly fell ill and died on March 31.
Richard’s loved ones said they need to repatriate him to the UK, but this will cost £20,000. They’ve launched a fundraising campaign on the GoFundMe platform. At the time of writing, it had amassed £1,795 from 65 generous donations, reports Plymouth Live.
Richard’s elder sister, Sarahjane Weeks, said: “He was loved by so many people. He just went on his dream holiday to Japan and felt ill and passed away on the early morning of March 31 in Japan, in his sleep.”
She revealed Richard celebrated his 30th birthday on March 11 and was a cherished brother, son and uncle who had a passion for gaming.
She continued: “We are all going to miss him. It’s a shock to all of us at the moment we just want our son/brother/uncle home to us so we can give him the best send-off, he definitely deserves that.”
Sarahjane added: “All the family want is the GoFundMe to get out there. We need the funds to bring his body back home to his family where he belongs.
“They said it’s going to cost £20,000 to fly him back to the UK. We as a family need help bringing our young brother/son/uncle home. Your help will mean a lot to us.”
Natalie Hammond, a mate of Richard’s, revealed she had known him since they were schoolmates in Plymouth.
She shared: “I went to school at Lipson with Richard. He was a kind hearted, funny person, he worked in the Spar shop on Royal Parade for a long time but recently quit to go travelling with his brother.
“His brother has now had to fly back to the UK without his little brother’s body. We need to raise money to bring his body home so the family can lay him to rest.”
The fundraiser is available on the GoFundMe website here.
