A DYING Saltcoats woman got her final wish when her beloved horse was brought to the Ayrshire Hospice for a final reunion.

Karen Allan passed away just days after 18-year-old Parker came to visit her.

The 51-year-old was unable to sit up and so the gentle giant bowed his head down towards his dear owner to comfort her.

Karen’s sister, Jen Allan McKenzie, told the Herald: “It’s amazing that they managed to take Parker down to see her. He’s part of our family. It’s just heartbreaking, but in a nice way. I’m incredibly proud of my big sister.

“I just think the picture of Parker nuzzling into Karen is lovely.”

Karen, who died at the weekend, grew up in Saltcoats but moved down to Winchester to attend university in her early 20s.

She got Parker, a Dutch Warmblood, when he was about three-years-old and over the following years she took part in dressage events with him.

Karen was first diagnosed with cancer nine years ago but moved back up to Ayrshire when her health started to deteriorate so that her mum Marie could look after her. She moved into Ayrshire Hospice at the start of January and missed her old horse, who stays at Goldenberry Stables in West Kilbride.

So Karen’s friends Gill Grey and Kirsten Hepburn decided to arrange a special surprise for her.

They consulted with the hospice to see if they could bring the horse to see Karen.

Jen said: “Karen has always loved horses – she’s had a horse since she was about eight-years-old.

“She was in the hospice for about six weeks before Christmas then she came out over the festive time and went back in after New Year. Parker is up at West Kilbride and we asked if it was okay to bring him down and they said we were allowed. We were really surprised.

“The hospice were just out of this world and it was a very special day. People bring dogs in for family members but we didn’t expect we would be allowed to bring a horse.”

When asked if Parker was aware that his owner was unwell, Jen told the Herald: “I think so. Animals know things; they get to recognise people.”

Susan Campbell, In-Patient Unit Manager at Ayrshire Hospice, said “We understand that being able to bring animals and pets to the hospice for a visit can be of great comfort to our patients and their families. Hospice care not only attends to our patient’s physical needs, but also recognises their important emotional, spiritual and social needs too.

“Where possible will always do what we can to help our patients and their families find comfort, during a time that can be difficult for everyone”.