THIS is the moment a woman with just days to live had one last meeting with her beloved horse when he was brought to the Ayrshire Hospice where she is staying.

Friends and family of Karen Allan were moved to tears when the 51-year-old was reunited with the gentle giant, 18-year-old Parker.

Karen’s sister, Jen Allan McKenzie, told the Advertiser: “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. She can’t sit up anymore and Parker was leaning down to get close to her. I just think the picture of Parker nuzzling into Karen is lovely.”

Karen 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, while living down south, took part in dressage events with him. 

Karen was first diagnosed with cancer almost a decade ago but after her health deteriorated recently, she moved back up to Ayrshire so that her mum Marie could look after her. 

Since going into the Ayrshire Hospice at the start of January, Karen has been unable to see Parker.

So her 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 from Goldenberry Stables in West Kilbride to see his owner.

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 she doesn’t get to see him so we asked if it was ok 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 beloved owner was unwell, Jen said:

“I think so. Animals know things; they get to recognise people.”