A man with multiple sclerosis is hoping to swim with dolphins before his condition deteriorates.
Former soldier Patrick Webber has said it is his greatest wish to swim with dolphins and friends are now pulling together to help his dream come true - but it is a race against time.
"Every day I lose a little bit more mobility, I am going downhill fast," said Mr Webber, 33, of Colchester.
"I was asked what I would want to do before things get out of control and I said swimming with dolphins. The therapeutic properties are well known and it is getting back to nature.
"I have achieved most of the things I have wanted to apart from this. I am in a wheelchair about 90 per cent of the time at the moment and when it is 100 per cent I won't be able to do it."
A friend at a weekly Reiki session Mr Webber attends has already arranged for two weeks accommodation in Florida for Mr Webber and his carer and fiancee Karen Stokes, but they still need to fund the flights and their time out there.
In a bid to raise the £1,000 needed, Mr Webber's Reiki teacher and a chef friend are planning an evening meal event for about 60 to 100 people.
The meal will be held at the Brightlingsea YMCA this Saturday and tickets costing £10 for adults and £5 for children are available from Ruth on 01206 533861 or Kevin on 07810 420368.
Published Thursday October 24, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article