Dying Man's Final Wish Comes True When A Fox Visits His Bedside

February 10, 2026

A care home in Bradford, England, helped make one man’s final wish come true in a way his family will never forget—by bringing a fox to visit him at his bedside.

Credit: Fox Angels Foundation

Colin Emmitt, 85, who has vascular dementia, was placed on end-of-life care after doctors told his family about six weeks ago that his time was limited. Throughout his life, Emmitt had a special love for foxes. He collected fox ornaments, enjoyed watching them in his garden, and was even nicknamed “fox” by his family.

When staff at Bingley Park care home learned about his wish, they contacted the Fox Angels Foundation to see if it might be possible for him to see a fox—hoping at the very least he could view one through a window.

Instead, they were able to do something even more special.

On January 19, a seven-year-old rescue fox named Ben was brought in to meet Emmitt in person, allowing him to gently stroke the animal he had loved for so many years. The foundation later described the visit as a “very emotional moment for all involved,” noting that Ben was calm and wonderful throughout the experience.

Emmitt’s daughter, Sharon Dalby, said the impact on her father was remarkable.

“This was such a beautiful moment,” she said. “The visit had the most incredible impact on him—he can't remember what he had for tea or lunch after half an hour, but he still remembers Ben from two weeks ago—it’s lovely.”

She also noticed something else that stood out. “He stayed awake for the whole visit and usually he's dozing off all the time. Foxes are just his animal—he's always been really into them.”

Ben’s handler, Les Hemstock, who has cared for the fox since 2019, said watching the two together was deeply moving.

“It was really touching,” Hemstock said. “He stroked Ben's face and the pair just looked into each other's eyes transfixed.”

Credit: Fox Angels Foundation

Ben’s own story makes the moment even more meaningful. He and his siblings were rescued after being found without their mother at just a week old. One of the young foxes sadly didn’t survive, while others eventually grew strong enough to leave. Ben, however, struggled with his health and formed a close bond with Hemstock, who raised him. Because of that bond, he now lives at Hemstock’s sanctuary, spending time with other rescued foxes and occasionally accompanying him on special visits like this one.

Hemstock, who has cared for several rescue foxes over the years, also reminds people that wild animals are best left in the wild whenever possible.

“I love the beauty and playful nature of foxes, and when people see videos like this they often ask about having foxes as pets,” he said. “Foxes do not make good pets… They prefer to be in the wild and should be wherever possible.”

For Emmitt, who spent his life working as a wool sorter, wagon driver, and chauffeur before moving into the care home ten months ago, the visit brought comfort, joy, and a memory that has stayed with him even as others fade.

Sometimes, the smallest wishes—a quiet moment, a gentle touch, a lifelong love honored—can mean everything.