A Special Last Ride for a Terminally Ill Man
A heartwarming event took place last Sunday when more than 50 motorcyclists came together to help a terminally ill man fulfill his dream of a final ride. Patrick Webber, 75, who was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer three years ago, had always been passionate about motorcycling. His love for the open road led him to dream of one last journey before his time was up.
Patrick’s wish was made possible by Wheels for Wishes, an organization that helps make dreams come true for those in need. On 13 July, 53 riders from the group collected Patrick from his home in Stapenhill, Staffs, and escorted him on a memorable adventure. The ride took place on a Harley Davidson, and Patrick was accompanied by his two grandsons, Aiden Webber-Pike and Dan Webber.
Julia Pike, Patrick’s daughter, shared how emotional the day was for the whole family. She explained that this was both her sons’ first and final ride with their grandfather, as well as Patrick’s last. “My youngest son started revving his engine, and then all the others joined in. You could feel the vibrations through your chest,” she said. “It was incredible – Dad was completely overwhelmed.”
The event was captured in heartwarming footage showing the convoy traveling through the countryside. Upon returning to Patrick’s home, he was seen beaming from the seat of the Harley-Davidson, clearly delighted by the experience.
This ride was part of Patrick’s personal bucket list, which also includes musical dreams, such as seeing Adele perform live. Julia expressed how meaningful the day was for her father. “It was the biggest smile I’ve seen on him in years. This meant the world to him – and to us. It’s a memory we’ll always hold on to.”
The event was not only a celebration of Patrick’s life but also a way to support a local hospice. Although there was no registration fee for the ride, the biker community encouraged donations, which helped raise over £250 for St Giles Hospice. Patrick has been receiving end-of-life care from the hospice since his diagnosis, including assistance with pain management and daily needs.
Julia praised the team at St Giles, calling them “absolutely brilliant.” She said, “I can’t thank them enough for the support they have given Dad and his wife, Terry. It’s allowed Dad to have a sense of normality and dignity despite the condition he’s living with. Nothing is ever too much trouble for them.”
Amy Bushell, Clinical Lead for Community Services at St Giles Hospice, spoke about Patrick’s impact on the team. “Patrick is a patient I know well, and he is such a lovely and kind gentleman. It was absolutely amazing to see him out there doing something that means so much to him. We’re so grateful to Wheels for Wishes who helped make this possible – these moments are what hospice care is really about.”
A spokesperson for Wheels for Wishes shared their feelings about the event. “We were incredibly honoured to organise ‘One Last Blast for Patrick.’ Patrick is a remarkable gentleman, and it meant so much to us that we could help give him this final ride. What moved us most was how he took the effort to personally shake hands with every single rider and thank them after the ride.”
This touching event highlights the power of community and the importance of making dreams come true, even in the face of adversity. For Patrick, the ride was more than just a final adventure—it was a moment of joy, connection, and lasting memories.
