The touching moment a gran was reunited with her best friend from Australia has been shared by her family. Janet Clark, from Alvaston in Derby, was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer when her final wish was granted.
In November last year, she'd been told she was returning home from hospital for end-of-life care. As reported by Derbyshire Live, one of her hopes was to see her best friend, Vanessa Evans, just one last time.
Janet had met Vanessa in Australia while living there for ten years with her husband and the pair developed a sister-like bond. Janet returned when her husband died in in 2003 but their bond remained as strong.
Sadly, Janet died on January 23 this year. But not before her family managed to raise funds to fly Vanessa over for the special reunion.
Vanessa arrived in the country on December 4 to surprise Janet. She stayed in Derby until December 17 before flying back to Australia.
Subscribe here for the latest news where you live
Janet's granddaughter Laura Morgan described the moment the two reunited: "Grandma thought she was coming over the following day so when Vanessa surprised her she was in shock, tears of happiness and couldn't stop smiling," she said.
"They had nearly every day together and a lovely visit to Chatsworth House. Vanessa gave grandma some lovely foot massages as she demanded to help her with pain in her legs."
The family needed £2,000 to pay for Vanessa's plane ticket, as well as an emergency passport renewal to come to the UK. But kindhearted people in Derby came forward and helped raise £3,300.
Laura thanked the people of Derby, as well as Derbyshire Live for helping raise the funds, saying: "We cannot thank everyone and Derbyshire Live for helping us raise enough money to make my grandma's wish come true. Sadly my grandma passed away on the 23rd January 2023 and if it wasn't for your help with fundraising she would have never seen her best friend again."
The family also managed to raise £300 for the Air Ambulance at Janet's funeral.
