Michael, boss of the Elite group of salons, suffered from cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, which meant he needed 10 minutes to catch his breath if he walked 10 yards.

Venice - city of canals, bridges, steps and alleyways - seemed impossible in a wheelchair but not to his fiancee Andrea Carrington, with the help of his best friends, Mike and Janice Murphy.

"I knew it was a place Michael had talked and dreamed about visiting for 30 years so it was game on," says Mike.

View from a wheelchair. Read Mike's account of the trip. Click here.

While Andrea squared it with the airline - easyJet would have to be told he was bringing oxygen bottles on board - Mike arranged the itinerary.

It was going to be the best - the Danieli Hotel, tables at Harry's Bar and the Fortuny at the Cipriani and a trip on the canals.

The party were treated like VIPs all the way. There were no problems with the airline and the hotel, once the 14th century palace of the Doge Dandolo, upgraded them, to the antique-filled presidential suite - with terraces overlooking the lagoon.

Michael had to use his wheelchair for the sightseeing tour around Venice the next day although when they encountered steps at St Marks's Basilica he had to get out and walk. Bystanders didn't take kindly to Mike's joke: "It's a miracle. He can walk!"

What do you think? Post your comment below.

The best way to see Venice is by water and the party hired a private launch and guide, ending up that night at the exclusive Harry's Bar on the waterfront.

The place was packed and the wheelchair looked a problem until Michael stood up and walked and Mike did his "It's a miracle" gag again. It worked - people made way.

But this was the one place that wasn't helpful. The table was upstairs. It was that or nothing. Poor Michael was exhausted by the effort and, to cap it all, could not drink wine because of his medication.

Once it attracted Ernest Hemingway, these days it's Nicole Kidman but Mike reckons it is "over lit and over priced." He has nothing but praise for the people who helped them - for the journey back was just as easy.

He says: "We appreciated how tough it is to get around in a wheelchair but it shouldn't stop you from visiting one of the most beautiful places on earth.

"Michael died four months after this trip. He fulfilled a lifelong ambition and I'm so pleased we managed to do it before the disease prevented him from leaving his bed.

"We all knew Venice would be his last trip unless he received a lung transplant so made it extra special.

"He was the happiest I'd ever seen him. Life is fragile and short. I would urge everyone to enjoy each precious day."

Michael died two days before he was due to marry Andrea.

READ MORE
Your letters.
Today's features.
Latest sport.
Main news index.