Appeal to make dad’s final wish come true
THE family of a man who created a bucket list to make precious memories for his children are appealing for help to fulfil his final wish after his death.
Dad of three Richard Walters, who died last month after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, drew up a bucket list of things he wanted to do with his family before he died.
This included going on a caravan holiday with his family, decorating his children’s bedrooms and renewing his wedding vows with his wife Loretta.
But there was one important wish on Richard’s list that is yet to be fulfilled, and that is to have a wheelchair-accessible back garden for his daughter Sophia who suffers with a range of medical issues.
“Sophia has spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and many other debilitating health issues,” said Loretta’s mother Tracey Wilson.
“She is totally confined to a wheelchair.There was one important wish on Richard’s bucket list that did not materialise. This is to have a wheelchair-accessible garden for Sophia to play in on dry days and a garden area where the children can plant some nice flowers in memory of their dad.”
Tracey added: “For years the garden has been inaccessible even for Loretta to hang washing on the clothes line due to the poor drainage which is like a mud bath nearly all year round.
“Due to this, we are putting out a plea for help to achieve an appropriate dry garden for the children. If anyone can help the children and Loretta, we would be absolutely grateful forever more.”
Richard’s cancer battle touched the hearts of many. The first signs of his illness materialised when he began suffering headaches, slurred speech and a twitch in his right hand in 2012. While he was on a sixmonth waiting list to see a neurologist, his symptoms worsened and tests showed he had a large tumour on his brain.
He underwent an operation to remove 98% of the growth, and by 2015 the tumour was stable. But a year later the symptoms returned and Richard was told the tumour had spread.
After two operations, doctors said Richard’s condition had deteriorated during the summer when he was told he might only have months to live.
In August, Richard was told his tumour was termi- nal and was given two years to live.
Richard and Loretta renewed their wedding vows as their children Callum, Lillianna and Sophia, and family and friends watched.
The couple, who were together for 12 years and were married six years ago, had always planned to renew their vows on their 10th anniversary, but decided to bring the ceremony forward due to Richard’s illness.
During the ceremony at the Brunswick Hotel in Merthyr, Loretta told Richard: “You have been so strong over the last few years, stronger than I ever knew, and for that I will always be proud and love you for my whole life through.
“Richard, you are my soulmate, my childhood sweetheart and best friend, and I will be by your side through everything, until the very end. Thank you for all you have given me. I’ll cherish each moment forever.”
Sadly, Richard died on December 23.
Richard’s mother Suzan, 61, was with him at his bedside for the last five weeks of his life, and he is survived by his three brothers Dean, Stephen and Glenn.
Tracey said: “Loretta, Callum, Lillianna, Sophia and Richard’s mum Suzan and his brothers Stephen, Dean and Glen would like to thank everybody for following Richard.
“The whole family is very overwhelmed and grateful.
“Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
Richard’s funeral will be held on Thursday at 11.15am at Llwydcoed Crematorium in Merthyr Tydfil.
If you would like to help Richard’s family fulfil his final wish for his children, you can donate via www.gofundme.com/ and supporting