A HORSERACING fan whose dying wish went around the world from Australia hailed from Malvern – and his final resting place will be back home.

Nigel Latham’s story went viral when, on his way home for palliative care, ambulance workers asked if he wanted to stop off anywhere.

His request was to visit Morphettville Racecourse in Adelaide where he watched Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Craig Williams cross the finishing line first.

He dedicated the victory to Mr Latham who then died on May 3 and the images became an internet sensation with the story picked up by the Racing Post and Daily Mail.

It was not publicly known at that point that Nigel was born and raised in Malvern and was educated at the Chase High School before leaving for university. He moved to Australia in 2006.

A statement from Mr Latham’s read: “The family of Nigel Latham would like to thank the racing community and many others who have shared their best wishes and support after hearing about Nigel’s love of racing and final wishes.

“Nigel sadly passed away peacefully at home in Adelaide Australia, on May 3, 2021, aged 58, following a short illness.

“Devoted husband to Julie, beloved son to Bill and Wendy and loving brother to Mandy, Nigel will be greatly missed by all his family and many friends.

“They have been extremely touched by the response to Nigel’s story and the support they have received.

“A service will be held in Adelaide on Friday, May 14. Nigel’s wish was to come home to the UK where his final resting place will be under the shadow of the Malvern Hills.

"Internment of ashes in Great Malvern will occur when Covid travel restrictions allow.”

Mr Latham's family has asked for their privacy to be respected.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Bob Champion Cancer Trust in Nigel’s name at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nigel-latham-1 or to the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal clinical Trials Group at https://gicancer.org.au/donate/