Terminal cancer patient granted last wish to see his beloved horse

Frank Keat is visited by his beloved horse, Early Morn, at Bodmin Hospital.  Credit: SWNS

A man suffering from terminal cancer was granted his final wish this week to see his beloved horse one last time. 

Frank Keat, 80, was able to see his five-year-old horse, Early Morn, before he passed away on Monday.

Unfortunately Mr Keat, from Cardinham in Cornwall, was not well enough to visit the stable where Early Morn is kept, so the nurses caring for him at Bodmin Hospital arranged for his horse to be brought to the hospital without him knowing.

Frank Keat meeting the Queen at the Royal Cornwall Show in 2000. Credit: SWNS

As Early Morn wasn't able to come into the ward, staff wheeled Mr Keat's bed outside onto a nearby patio. 

Nurse Samantha Russell who was involved in the surprise reunion said it was an emotional day for everyone involved. 

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.

Frank was just overwhelmed and speechless.

– NURSE SAMANTHA RUSSELL

Mr Keat was a well respected figure in the equine community.

He was a huntsman with the Bolventor Harriers, had bred champions hunters and had judged many equestrian competitions throughout the UK - even meeting the Queen at the Royal Cornwall Show in 2000.

He was also a former president of the Camelford and District Agricultural Association.

Frank Keat (out in front), a jump away from victory in 1955.  Credit: SWNS

His son Tim Keat told the Cornish Guardian that his father had always been passionate about horses.

"Dad had been involved with horses since he was 15 years old...there's nothing he didn't know about them."

Frank Keat with jockey Trevor Coles and his winning horse Frankies Flutter in 2000. Credit: SWNS

Early Morn will now attend Mr Keat's funeral on November 7.

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