Friends Raise Money To Help Dying Navy Man Take A Cruise

Friends of a terminally ill Royal Navy Serviceman have managed to raise enough money to let him take his wife on a cruise so they can “see the stars at sea” before he dies.

John Urmson was diagnosed with stage four cancer of the Oesophagus in Novermber 2015.

The father to five young children wants to share the experience of the night sky at sea with his wife, Lisa, after seeing it himself during his time in the Navy.

Doctors have told him he has just months to live.

A JustGiving campaign launched by his friends has been set up to allow him to fulfil that dream.

It has passed its target of £3,500 and currently stands at just over £4,000.

One of the friends that launched the campaign, Katie McAdams, said Mr Urmson was an “exceptional person” and told the Liverpool Echo:

“We’ve been trying to think of things to do and to get them on this cruise. We’ve got the appeal at £3,500 but to be honest I’m on a mission to smash that out the ball park.”

Writing on the JustGiving Page, Ms McAdams said:

“He has always had an extraordinary way about him to make people laugh in the face of adversity and whatever the circumstances, this is his gift that only very few possess and he has touched many lives by sharing this with them."

His friends have set up other activities to raise money for the serviceman, including a football match and a fundraiser featuring the band Brothers In Harm’s.

They say any extra money raised will go towards allowing John and his family to spend his remaining time in comfort.

If all goes well, the Mediterranean cruise will last between five and seven days as it stops at various ports.

Cover image courtesy: JustGiving/KatieMcAdams