An 89-year-old man receiving palliative care has had his dying wish fulfilled after a Highland cow was brought into his home in Basildon.
Christopher Cooksey has long had a fondness for Highland cattle after spending time in the Scottish Highlands while courting his wife.
His family launched an online appeal in the hope someone could bring one of the animals to see him at home.
Local cattle owner Chloe Lucas, who runs Highland Hideout, answered the call and arranged for her Highland cow, Margaret, to visit.
Margaret, who is almost two years old and weighs around 250kg, was transported to the property before being led inside to Christopher’s bedside.
Christopher has lost much of his sight, but was able to touch and stroke the animal.
Lucas said seeing him kiss Margaret was “the most amazing moment”.
Christopher’s daughter, Helen Cooksey, said the family had kept the visit as a surprise and praised Lucas for going to extraordinary lengths to make it happen.
She said the visit had created “one of the most amazing precious memories” for the family.
