A dad suffering from bowel cancer has had his dream of visiting the Second World War Maunsell sea forts come true.

Desperate Clare Larking, 57, from Sheppey posted an appeal on social media asking if anyone knew how her husband Andy, 56, could fulfil his bucket list wish.

Within days, Margaret 'Flo' McEwan, founder of the The Maunsell Sea Forts Appreciation Group, had been in touch and arranged for the crew of the Queenborough-based X-Pilot to ferry Andy, Clare and their daughter Emily out to sea.

The trip took place last Wednesday just hours before the second national coronavirus lockdown came into effect.

Clare from Appleford Drive, Minster, said: "I can't thank Flo and the crew of the X-Pilot enough. We have only been living on Sheppey for three years but we have been blown away by the Island's wonderful community spirit."

She posted her appeal on the Positive Life Today on the Isle of Sheppey Facebook page.

She wrote: "I have a huge favour to ask. My wonderful husband has stage 4 cancer and has a wish on his bucket list to tick off while he's still well enough.

"He's always wanted to sail around the Island ideally visiting the (wreck of the Richard) Montgomery and the forts if at all possible."

She said: "I was amazed at the number of people sharing it and then Flo popped up and said not to worry as it was all organised. When I called to say we would have to cancel because of the lockdown she just told me to wait a bit."

Flo said: "I saw Clare’s Facebook plight and instantly knew this was something I wanted to help her realise. Although I live in Berkshire I have lots of contacts locally.

"Getting the right boat was important as, suffering from cancer, I wanted be sure Andy would be comfortable on the trip.

"The X-Pilot has a comfy cabin with central heating so I asked Captain Alan Harmer and boat owner Martin Harmer if they would help. They were wonderful and agreed to let us have the boat for the trip."

It was originally planned for Saturday, November 7, but then Boris Johnson announced the lockdown would start at midnight on the Thursday.

Flo said: "After a lot of frantic calls Martin and Alan agreed to reschedule the trip - and the weather forecast was fantastic."

She added: "I thought it would be extra special to sail out as the sun was settling. It was the most beautiful sunset and so emotional to see Andy fulfil his wish to see Redsand Fort."

Clare said: "She is a very generous lady. And the sunset was mind-blowingly beautiful. We couldn't have wished for better weather. It was perfect. We went up close to the Richard Montgomery and then actually under the forts.

"It was something special and really amazing. We just can't believe how kind people are here. We lived in Higham for 15 years but moving here was the best thing we have ever done."

The couple have been married for 32 years. Clare, a nurse at Guy's Hospital London, needed to reduce her hours because of a back injury so the couple moved to Sheppey where housing is cheaper and they did not need a mortgage. Andy had been a maintenance engineer there.

Clare said: "He is my best friend and soul mate. We have been trying to make memories but it is tough with the pandemic."

Andy was diagnosed with cancer in February.

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