She just wanted to see her horse one last time

KAREN ALLAN, from Kilwinning, has had a fascination with horses ever since she was a child.

It stemmed from her first ever riding experience when she was about seven, alongside big sister Jennifer.

Karen loved spending time with the nags and vowed that, one day, she would buy her own horse.

And 17 years ago, that dream became a reality when Parker became the IBM patents attorney’s prized pet.

The pair formed a close bond, which strengthened greatly after Karen was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2007.

Amid the chemo and chaos of hospital appointments, Karen loved nothing more than spending time with her Dutch Warmblood.

He brought calm – and the perfect escape from the horrid illness that slowly started to cast a shadow over her life.

Two years ago, when Karen’s health deteriorated, she had to move in with her mum.

The cancer had spread to her bones and her brain, leaving her in need of constant care.

But there was no way she was going to be separated from her beloved horse, so Parker was relocated to stables nearby so that Karen could visit him whenever she felt a bit down.

Even when she was forced to move into a hospice, determined Karen never failed to catch up with her mane man every few weeks.

When she took a turn for the worst in January, one of Karen’s wishes was to see Parker one last time.

But as she wasn’t well enough to travel, it seemed mission impossible.

That’s when her pal Gillian had an idea . . . why not bring the horse to the hospice?

She arranged for a horse box to transport him and for Karen’s bed to be wheeled outside.

It was emotional final farewell, because Karen passed away just a few days later.

Parker was such a huge part of her life that her family couldn’t part with him. He’s currently being looked after at stables, but receives regular visits.

Since losing Karen, sister Jennifer, from Ardrossan, has thrown herself into fundraising for cancer charity Breast Cancer Care. She’s organised several events and in a few weeks will put her best foot forward to complete a Pink Ribbonwalk.

Also a keen animal lover, she’s been training hard with dogs Harris and Sky.

Parker isn’t coming along too, but he – and Karen – will definitely be there in spirit.