Second tragedy in two years for Matt Field’s grieving family

THE family of a man tragically killed alongside his pregnant fiance is facing fresh heartache after his older brother was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.

The family of a man tragically killed alongside his pregnant fiance is facing fresh heartache after his older brother was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.

Russell and Ann Field’s son Matthew, his fiance Kate Leadbetter and their unborn son Miles were killed on an afternoon stroll with their dogs on Australia Day 2021 in a tragedy that sent shockwaves across the state.

The innocent couple were mowed down by a drunk and drugged teenager speeding through an intersection in a stolen car.

Matthew Field and fiance Kate Leadbetter pictured at brother Andrew’s wedding.

Matthew Field's older brother Andrew Field (pictured) has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma.

Now, in a devastating fresh blow for the family still reeling from the tragedy, Mr and Mrs Field have revealed their eldest son Andrew is in a fight for his own life.

The married father-of-three went to hospital on Saturday, May 6 this year after suffering headaches, nausea and blurry vision the day before at work. Scans revealed he had a brain tumour.

Two days later, he underwent brain surgery and was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma, a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumour that has required ongoing intensive radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

Mr Field said Andrew, an electrician, and his wife Nicole were in the process of building their dream home when they received the diagnosis and it was unlikely his son would ever be able to work again.

The diagnosis came just days after the Court of Appeal dismissed an application brought by the Attorney-General seeking to increase the 10-year sentence given to Matt, Kate and Myles’ killer.

Andrew Field (pictured with his wife Nicole and children). Photo: Supplied.

“The Police Commissioner had actually dropped by to see how we were going after the appeal,” Mr Field said.

“We were ready to move forward after the end of the court process and that night we found out about Andrew’s issue.

“It’s so unfortunate that we are where we are.”

Mr Field said his son was a “strong, fit and healthy” 42-year-old and his family had just finished building their dream home.

He said it was unlikely Andrew would ever be able to work again, with a life expectancy ranging from months to about six years.

The family is now raising money to support Andrew and his young family.

A fundraiser luncheon dubbed Relief for Ratty will be held on November 1 with guests including Wally Lewis and Saia and Anthony Fainga’a at the Queensland Cricketer’s Club.

The family also have an online fundraiser to help support medical, mortgage and education expenses at gofundme.com/f/support-andrew-field-on-his-journey.

Tickets for the November fundraiser can be purchased at trybooking.com/1112015