A terminally ill grandad’s dying wish to spend a day at the seaside with his loved ones came true before he tragically died, his wife has confirmed.
John Murray, who suffered from lung disease COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), saw his garden turned into a beach complete with ice cream and fish and chips before passing away four days later.
The 58-year-old’s wife Deborah posted a plea on social media asking for help fulfilling her beloved husband’s wish, and was overwhelmed with the response.
On Sunday, March 7, the teaching support, from Amington, Tamworth, was able to create lasting memories with his family before he passed away on Thursday, reports BirminghamLive.
John, who was on a ventilator, thanked those who’d made the day possible, telling them they couldn’t have “done it any better or done any more”.
Deborah, who said it was “love at first sight” and married John eight months after they met by chance at her workplace, said she was touched by the kindness shown after some dark days.
“You gave my beautiful husband his last wish to spend a day at the seaside with the people he loves. For that I am grateful beyond words,” she said.
“We are completely overwhelmed that people who don’t know us would treat us with such care. I feel so touched by such kindness and care; it was very unexpected.
“Some days have been very sad lately and to watch someone you love deeply struggle so much is painful.
“John was very tearful saying ‘he’d never jump waves or buy an ice cream for the children ever again’ .”
Deborah said a friend told her to post on Facebook page Spotted Tamworth for ideas about creating a seaside at home before things started to snowball.
She went on to say: “I was truly blessed beyond words to have this man in my life. It has been an absolute privilege and I will miss him until I take my last breath.
“One day he walked into my workplace. It was love at first sight. We were married after eight months and the amazing adventure began.
“John was such a caring, lovely man with the most beautiful nature. He worked at Tamworth college as a teaching support which he loved and had this sense of humour that you just couldn’t help but smile at.
“John was honest, caring, compassionate, so easy to fall in love with. I knew when I met him that this marriage was something incredibly special.
“Anything John did he put his whole heart into especially being my husband, my children’s dad and a grandad, he had the patience of a Saint.”
In the days before he died, John said: “I just want to say thank you to everybody that contributed. You really have brought tears to my eyes.
“To think you could all do that just for us; you could not have done it any better or done any more, I am so grateful.”