A terminally ill Star Wars fan got to watch "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" three weeks ahead of the Dec. 20 release date.
With help from Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, a hospice patient in Hampshire, England, had his wish come true when he was able to get a private screening of the final installment of the nine-part saga.
According to Deadline, Iger agreed to a private screening after seeing a tweet from Rowans Hospice in Hampshire saying "time is not on his side."
Can you help? We have a patient who's a HUGE #StarWars fan. Sadly, time is not on his side for the 20th Dec. His wish is to see the final Star Wars film #RiseOfSkywalker with his young son. If you know ANYBODY who might be able to make it happen, please share with them. Thank you
— Rowans Hospice (@RowansHospice) November 26, 2019
The hospice threw a party for him Wednesday and he watched the film Friday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
On Wednesday we threw a Star Wars themed party for the patient and his family. We were joined by Stormtroopers, wookies and droids and a brilliant time was had by all pic.twitter.com/SDAoUDIsXq
— Rowans Hospice (@RowansHospice) November 29, 2019
The patient released a statement after watching the movie:
"I just want to say the biggest thank you to everyone that has helped to make this happen. During what is just a horrible situation to be in, you have helped to make some wonderful memories and bring some joy to my family. I am a huge Star Wars fan, and what I am going through is completely dire. Then to top it all, I thought I wasn't going to see the film I have been waiting to see since 1977! I still can't believe it. The only way I can describe this to you is to say that this must be what it feels like to be told you have won a million pounds!"
His wife also thanked Disney in the same statement for making her husband's dream come true:
“We are truly humbled by everyone’s support. What has happened over the past few days has been truly mind-blowing. From a simple conversation, to witnessing the out pouring of generosity has been amazing. The massive Star Wars community has been incredible. The amazing people who have visited, along with the messages and gifts we have received have provided us with an opportunity to talk to our son more about the reality of his Dad’s condition. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this happen. We will be forever grateful for these wonderful memories.”
Rowans Hospice, where the patient had his final wish granted, is a local charity that provides specialist hospice care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses resident, their relatives and carers.
All the care given is without charge.