A popular Bournemouth businessman, who made a final wish list' of all the things he wanted to do after being told he had just weeks to live, has lost his battle for life.
Keith Turner held his own wake,' visited Christchurch market for a bacon sandwich with his friends and tucked into scrambled egg and beans at his favourite café.
After putting his financial affairs in order, the father-of-three invited 250 people to Lorenzo's restaurant in Charminster where the keen sportsman bravely said goodbye.' Following the diagnosis that he was suffering from an aggressive form of liver cancer, Keith, 51, from Winton, told the Daily Echo: "I only had a few days and could feel my energy going.
"I've just got to be as practical as I can. I've no regrets. Had I been given two years I would have done a lot more."
His friends ensured that his simple wishes were fulfilled in style.
He arrived at Christchurch market in a Ferrari and on his way to his favourite Charminster cafe he did a slight detour, boarding a Sunseeker for a surprise trip to Brownsea Island, Sandbanks and Boscombe Pier.
"I was exhausted afterwards. I couldn't have left it another day," he admitted.
After his farewell party, Keith returned to hospital. He asked friends to make donations to replace televisions at the Macmillan unit at Christchurch hospital and £1,600 was raised.
Keith died there on Sunday morning, surrounded by his family.
His wife Sue said: "Keith has been so courageous in how he's handled this and we are all so proud of him."
Paying a touching tribute to his friend of 20 years, Jon Porter said: "Keith was so charismatic and full of energy.
"He lived for his family and his sport. It's so tragic because he had been hoping to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary in Las Vegas later this month.
"We are planning to take part in a 50-mile cycle ride in Keith's memory on Sunday to raise funds for the Macmillan unit, a cause which was close to his heart."
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