A cancer sufferer is to be made homeless this weekend – despite having just weeks to live.
Alan Mackie and his wife Frances are to be out on the street on Sunday and have pleaded for someone to offer them a place to stay.
The former council worker was diagnosed with aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the stomach in February and has also developed a large tumour.
Now, the couple have been told must vacate their privately-rented flat by Sunday as their landlord wishes to sell the property.
They have been on the waiting list for a ground-floor council home in Moray or Aberdeenshire since the beginning of last year, but now fear time has run out.
Both local authorities said they sympathise with the couple’s plight, but said the shortage of suitable properties meant there was little they could do to help.
Mrs Mackie, from Lossiemouth, last night appealed urgently to the good will of a private landlord who may be able to help.
She said: “Money is no object. That is not a problem.
“We can pay for rent three months or six months in advance if need be.”
Mr Mackie, 53, who has been living in a first-floor flat in Inverurie with his wife, said having a comfortable home close to his loved ones was one of two dying wishes.
The other was to see his beloved team, Rangers FC for the last time, which came true last Sunday after he successfully made the trip to Glasgow to see his side take on Hibernian.
Mrs Mackie, who fundraised to make the day out happen, added: “It was emotional. When we approached Ibrox we started crying.”
The couple along with family members received a warm welcome from the club and Mr Allan was greeted with a goody bag, and a signed strip and photographs.
Rangers won the game 1-0 and Mr Mackie got the chance to meet players past and present including Willie Johnstone, Rob Kiernan, Kenny Miller, Martyn Waghorn and man of the match James Tavernier.
Rangers Charity Foundation officer Linda Shields said: “It was our pleasure to have Alan, his wife and other family members along to Ibrox as our guests last Sunday.
“We know this has been a difficult time for Alan, and we were happy to help him enjoy a special match day experience at Ibrox.
“On behalf of everyone at Rangers Football Club, I would like to send Alan and his family our very best wishes.”
The couple then visited Loch Lomond and took a meal in Perth but Mr Mackie has taken a turn for the worst since his return north, his wife said.
Mrs Mackie added: “It was a very emotional weekend and, on Sunday, Alan was magic, but he hasn’t been very good at all since we got back.
“He was just waiting to go to Ibrox, I think, but I really don’t think he is going to last long now.
“He hardly eats and he can’t keep tablets down, so we really need to find somewhere now.”