Leicester: Miniature goats comfort a terminally ill man in hospital

A terminally ill man who is being cared for in a hospice in Leicester has been comforted by two miniature goats.

Greg Stevens-Kelsey was visited by Posie and Willow at the Loros hospice on Saturday.

Mr Stevens-Kelsey has an incurable brain tumor and requested a visit from therapy animals.

The 53-year-old, from Hinckley, Leicestershire, described the goats as “beautiful” and has now asked to attend the funeral.

He was joined by his family members as he enjoyed a cuddle with the pair of goats.

“I feel brilliant,” said Mr Steven’s-Kelsey.

“I couldn’t ask for anything better than what I already have. It was perfect.

“I don’t know why we like goats, we just like goats.”

His family said that when he found out the goats would be visiting, he cried, adding that he “took a shine” to the two animals.

Sara Hibberd runs Alfie the Therapy Horse in Broughton Astley, a service that provides therapy animals, and arranged for Mr Stevens-Kelsey’s wish to meet the goats to be granted.

“(Greg’s) wish is to have goats at his funeral, which is quite unusual,” she said.

“We have two miniature goats, so we can actually bring them over to him to cuddle.

“We have lots of animals, including miniature horses, a donkey and giant rabbits, and they all work for therapy. We work with care homes, hospitals and schools.

“It’s amazing and priceless.”