80-Year-Old Terminal Cancer Patient, Frank Keat, Granted Dying Wish To See Beloved Horse
Terminal Cancer Patient Says Goodbye To His Beloved Horse
SWNS
|
This is the touching moment a cancer patient's last wish was granted before he died - when his favourite HORSE visited him in hospital.
Caring nurses stunned equestrian Frank Keat, 80, as he was wheeled out onto the patio of his ward to be greeted by five-year-old Early Morn.
Open Image Modal
Frank Keat visited by beloved horse, Early Morn
He died peacefully on Tuesday morning - but his family say they were overjoyed that the hospital were able to let him see his favourite equine companion a final time.
Early Morn was a thoroughbred hunter who was Frank's last horse which he bred and named himself in 2010.
He had entertaining staff about his lifelong love of horses as a patient on the Anchor Ward at Bodmin Community Hospital in Cornwall since his admission a month ago.
And after he was deemed too ill to visit his stables one final time, kind-hearted nursing staff on the ward secretly arranged the special visit.
His son Tim, 51, said it meant a great deal to him.
He said: "Dad had been involved with horses since he was aged 15, and there's nothing he didn't know about them.
"He was in the hospital in Bodmin five years ago, and as soon as he came out, I had to drive him up to Wales because he wanted to buy two horses up there.
"I was contacted by the nurses who said he felt a little bit down and can we get the horse in.
"It was a really nice last gift and I was so delighted it happened.
"The nurses organised it all. They just said 'Frank, we are moving you outside' and then the horse was there. It was lovely.
"They had overheard Frank talking at an earlier date about how he hoped he would be well enough to visit the horse soon.
"When he deteriorated and wouldn't be able to leave the hospital they arranged it.
"It's a fantastic hospital. I can not thank them enough. The nurses really went above and beyond.
"It was such a wonderful gesture and I know my dad couldn't have wished for anything better."
Frank, from Cardinham, Cornwall, was well known and respected in the equine community and was a huntsman with the Bolventor Harriers.
He had also bred champion hunters and had judged many equestrian competitions throughout the country.
He has owned thousands during his life - but had to get rid of all except for Early Morn because he couldn't look after them any more.
Staff nurse Samantha Russell said the visit was an emotional time for everyone.
She said: "I can honestly say that this is the most memorable day of my career. The emotion was overwhelming and there wasn't a dry eye on the ward.
"Sadly he was not well enough to visit the stable, so the nursing team came up with the fantastic idea of arranging for his horse to be brought to the hospital without him knowing.
"We wheeled his bed out on to the patio where he was greeted by his beautiful horse.
"Frank was just overwhelmed and speechless."
His horse is expected to attend his funeral at the church in Cardinham on November 7 where a collection will also be held for the Anchor Ward.
Know Your Body, Spot Cancer Symptoms
A lump or swelling anywhere on your body needs checking out(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
AXA’s research found that 79% of people were able to correctly identify breast lumps as a potential indicator of cancer. But a lump or swelling in any part of the body, including the armpit, neck, abdomen, groin or chest area, is worth having checked by a doctor. (credit:Alamy)
Talk about your toilet habits(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
Diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits are most likely to be caused by a stomach bug or eating something that disagrees with you. But if you’re noticing changes that have lasted more than a few days, for example if your bowel movements are looser for three weeks or more, or you notice any blood when you’ve been to the toilet, then make an appointment to get it checked out. (credit:Alamy)
Sores and ulcers should disappear quickly – investigate them if they don’t(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
A lot of people get mouth ulcers when their immune system is low or they’re stressed. Generally they’re nothing to worry about and, as the lining of the mouth regenerates itself every couple of weeks, shouldn’t last long. But any ulcer that hasn’t healed after three weeks merits attention from your doctor or dentist. The same goes for any sore or spot that lasts for several weeks without healing – get it checked by a doctor. (credit:Alamy)
Difficult passing urine – not just an inevitable consequence of age (04 of10)
Open Image Modal
Many men find it more difficult to pass urine as they get older, needing to go more often or urgently or being unable to go when they need to. These problems are usually caused by an enlarged prostate, which is a common condition that is not in itself cause for concern. But occasionally these symptoms can be a sign of prostate cancer – either way, men experiencing these symptoms should see their GP. Similarly, while urinary tract infections are the most likely cause of women having pain or difficulty passing urine, this should pass relatively quickly. If it doesn’t, then any sudden urges to pass urine or the need to go more often should be discussed with your doctor. (credit:Alamy)
Lost weight without dieting?(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
It’s natural for most people’s weight to fluctuate over time. But if you haven’t instigated any changes in your diet or exercise regime and have obviously lost weight, then talk to your doctor. And if you’re experiencing heavy night sweats you should seek medical advice – these don’t always have a sinister cause, and can be brought about by certain infections or medications, but they’re worth checking. (credit:Alamy)
Coughing up blood needs to be checked out(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
If you’ve coughed up any blood, you should see your doctor, regardless of the amount of blood or frequency. It can be a sign of lung cancer, so needs to be checked out. (credit:Alamy)
Coughs and sore throats(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
Most of us will experience coughs or croaky voices at some point, normally when we’ve had a cold. But as with many other changes to your body, anything that hasn’t gone away after three weeks or so should be investigated. (credit:Alamy)
Educate yourself on what to look out for(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
AXA’s research found women were more likely than men to identify key cancer warning signs, including breast lumps, changes in bowel habits and irregular moles. But for both men and women, ensuring you’re aware of symptoms to keep an eye out for is important. Knowledge is power: understanding what you’re looking for means you can any changes checked out quickly. (credit:Alamy)
Know your own body(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
AXA’s research found only 6% of men and 3% of women check their bodies daily for anything unusual. But understanding what’s normal for your own body is essential if you’re to spot when anything has changed. If you do notice changes that are persisting for a long time, or causing you pain and discomfort, then see your GP. (credit:Alamy)
Don’t put off seeing the doctor!(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
A sizeable 61% of people AXA spoke to admitted they’d delayed seeing their doctor when they spotted changes that could be potential flags for cancer. But early detection of any problems can make a huge difference if any treatment is then needed. Similarly, if changes are harmless your doctor will be able to reassure you. Overall, the sooner you go to see your GP, the better. (credit:Alamy)