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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Sophie McCoid

Terminally ill Hillsborough survivor takes camper van to Madrid despite doctors' orders

A terminally ill Hillsborough survivor has headed to Madrid for one last chance to see the Reds in action.

Will Owens, 60, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in December, and has been bed-bound since then, as the disease spread through his body.

Lifelong Liverpool fan Will, from Huyton, has travelled all over the world with the club, with long-suffering wife Gillan who is used to her husband's jaunts abroad.

When the Reds beat Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, Will leaped out of his hospital bed and was determined to see his team in action one last time.

A regular at Anfield, Will used to take his nephew Craig with him to games, and it's Craig who has helped his uncle get to the Spanish Capital.

Terminally ill Will Owens has travelled to Madrid for the Champions League Final (UGC)

Will's daughter Lindsey said: "My dad wouldn't take no for an answer, he said he was going to Madrid no matter what.

"The doctors advised him not to go and he couldn't fly, so him and Craig have gone in a camper van, so he can lie down most of the way.

"He has no insurance and they've taken a wheelchair with them to help him get around - but he's having the time of his life."

Lindsey and her daughters Molly and Emily have been receiving daily updates from the pair in Madrid, with Will joining in with the Allez, Allez chants.

Terminally ill Will Owens has travelled to Madrid for the Champions League Final (UGC)

Lindsey said: "His friends said they'd sort him a ticket, but the promised ticket hasn't yet arrived - but there's still time left.

"Whatever happens he's having the time of his life.

"He came out of hospital last week, with the doctors warning us he could be close to the end, but this game has just revived him, and he is having the best time in Madrid.

"I just hope they win now."

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