A REMARKABLE charity which offers to grant people their last wish is up and running in York.

The Ambulance Wish Foundation in Holland made headlines around the world for its efforts to help over 10,000 terminally ill people realise their final wish. Often their requests are simple, with many wanting to visit the beach, the zoo, an art gallery or to simply return home.

After years of fundraising, the charity is now operating in York and the surrounding areas, thanks to the efforts of Alice Berrill and Serina Doran, who was inspired by her late mother Tina's simple final wish to leave her hospice to take her dog to the park.

Supported by volunteers Serina has coordinated fundraising which has bought a fully equipped ambulance, allowing the charity to grant the final wishes of York mum Stacie Rafton.

The 35-year-old had brain cancer and asked for help in taking her and her husband and two young daughters to Stockeld Park, near Harrogate last Christmas.

Stacie passed away earlier this year and her husband Kennie has told of how important the day was to them.

He said: "It allowed Stacie and the children to make memories. Without the ambulance and volunteers this wouldn’t have been possible."

Now the service is open to people in York and the charity is inviting people and their loved ones to get in touch.

Serina said: "The Ambulance Wish Foundation helps non-mobile terminally ill and elderly people fulfil a wish. This can be as simple as being taken to spend time at home with the family or a trip to a place of significance, all in the comfort of the ambulance or wheelchair adapted vehicle, being looked after by our friendly volunteers. We cover the cost of the wish to ensure a memorable day is had by all."

To officially launch the service, Kees Veldboer, the founder of the Ambulance Wish Foundation in Rotterdam is coming to the UK, to talk about how 11 years on the foundation has gone from strength to strength and they have completed over 10,000 wishes.

The charity is inviting agencies and people who work in care homes and end of life care to an event York Medical Society at 2pm on November 8.

To attend please email info@ambulancewishfoundation.org.uk, or to request that Ambulance Wish Foundation assist you or a friend or family member, please visit www.ambulancewishfoundation.org.uk