Farewell kiss from a horse to its dying owner
DYING from cancer, grandmother Sheila Marsh was anxious to say a last goodbye to her nearest and dearest.
And she was particularly keen for a fond farewell with someone who had been part of her life for 25 years.
So – hours before she died – Mrs Marsh was wheeled outside in her hospital bed to get a kiss from show horse Bronwen.
As her condition deteriorated, staff at Wigan Royal Infirmary arranged the touching moment between the 77-yearold and the horse she raised from a foal.
Her daughter Tina, 33, said: ‘I was crying my eyes out and all the nurses were crying.
‘She took comfort out of it and it was a beautiful moment.
‘She loved her horses and she loved and adored all animals. Her condition did not get any better and the hospital allowed us to bring Bronwen in.
‘It was a matter of hours later that she passed away. I want to thank the hospital and all the nurses. It was very important for my mum.’ Mrs Marsh had a lifelong affiliation with horses and used to work at Haydock Park Racecourse.
Gail Taylor, bereavement liaison specialist nurse at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘We listened and acted on Mrs Marsh’s last wishes.
‘Sheila gently called to Bronwen and the horse bent down tenderly and kissed her on the cheek as they said their last goodbyes.’
Pauline Law, deputy director of nursing, added: ‘I am really pleased to have been able to facilitate the visit.
‘This was obviously extremely important to her and her family and we feel privileged to have been able to provide this support at this stage of her care.’