A terminally ill Star Wars fan died just days after achieving his last wish to see upcoming film Rogue One early.
Neil Hanvey, 36, was given a special preview version of the spin-off movie, starring Felicity Jones, to watch from his hospital bed.
Neil’s wish was granted following a social media campaign, #RogueOneWish, which Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill supported.
8/8 #herefordhour WATCH THIS SPACE! We think your support will pay off: Neil & @andreahanvey say TYVM #RogueOnewish pic.twitter.com/6WhdOeVo6w
— St Michael's Hospice (@StMichaelsHosp) August 22, 2016
His wife Andrea paid tribute to hospice healthcare assistant Amy Duncan, who helped make the campaign a success.
She told the Manchester Evening News: “On behalf of all our family we would like to thank everyone who has passed on their condolences following Neil’s death.
“We would also like to thank the tens of thousands of people who supported the #RogueOneWish campaign.
“All the messages of love during the past week have given us a great deal of comfort during a very difficult time.
7/8: #herefordhour We cannot thank our Twitter/FB followers and friends enough for their support of #RogueOnewish :) pic.twitter.com/n3LIIq6y6q
— St Michael's Hospice (@StMichaelsHosp) August 22, 2016
“We would also like to thank everyone at St Michael’s Hospice, especially Amy Duncan, without who #RogueOneWish would not have happened.”
She said that an online donation page would be set up for money to go to the hospice’s family support team.
Neil, originally from Oldham but later living in Hereford, died on Monday at St Michael’s Hospice after watching the film at the weekend.
The hospice said in a statement: “On behalf of Neil Hanvey, his wife Andrea and all his family, we want to thank everyone who supported the #RogueOneWish campaign.
“The director of Rogue One, Gareth Edwards did all he could to make Saturday a very special day for Neil.
“Neil, his family and everyone at St Michael’s Hospice would like to say thank you to Disney, Lucasfilm and especially Gareth Edwards.”
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is set before the original Star Wars film A New Hope (1977), but is not part of the main series.
The movie opens on December 16.
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