Mary Rankin with daughter Charmaine Burgess.A NINETY-year-old who had almost given up hope of seeing her terminally ill son again has had her wish to visit him granted.

Last Wednesday, Mary Rankin and her daughter Charmaine Burgess flew to Tucson, Arizona, to spend two precious weeks with Robert Rankin, who has motor neurone disease.

The former territorial army captain was diagnosed with the illness in 1996 and moved to the United States with his wife Jean seven years ago.

Since then, his mother and sister, from Great Wishford, have saved every penny for trips to visit him but they were heartbroken to discover air fares this summer would be an unaffordable £2,000.

Sadly, the blow coincided with a sudden deterioration in Mr Rankin's health and the pair feared they would never see him again.

Things looked bleak, until a unique collaboration between the south Wiltshire branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Angel Flight Europe made their dream come true.

The newly formed Angel Flight Europe is a voluntary organisation that arranges heavily subsidised fares to reunite families and transport patients around the world.

A further £300 contribution from the MND Association lowered the flight costs to £414 and the pair were on their way.

"Words can't describe how important this trip is to mum and me," said Mrs Burgess (56).

"It came out of the blue and we find it hard to believe something this wonderful has happened.

"We normally try to go in February but Rob, who has done so well to cope with the disease for eight years, is very frail now and needs some hospice care, and we aren't sure if he would still be with us next year."

Determined Mrs Rankin is not letting her age or wheelchair stop her from taking the emotional trip to see her son.

"Mum was desperate to see him one last time," said Mrs Burgess. "She said she was prepared to walk to America if she had to. This has all been a whirlwind because we only found out about a week beforehand, but this is the most wonderful opportunity and we have to seize it."

Mr Rankin (62) formerly ran the village shop in Great Wishford and, although he has lost the ability to speak, walk or care for himself, he is delighted that his family can visit.

"When his wife told him we were coming, he was grinning from ear to ear," said Mrs Burgess.

"Robert is not only my brother but also my best friend and, although he is very frail these days, his brain is as sharp as ever.

"This has given us all something positive to look forward to, and thank you to everyone who has made our dream come true."

Care information co-ordinator at the MND Association Sharon Schillerstrom said: "Without Angel Flight Europe, this trip would not have been possible.

"We are delighted their support has helped make a positive difference to the lives of people affected by motor neurone disease."

Steve Niechcial, UK co-ordinator for the charity, which has arranged five missions to date, said: "Achieving such success stories is our sole motivation.

"We are delighted their dream has come true."