Thank you to you all for your replies and much appreciated advice. We've had an open conversation this week about cancelling and or me accompanying him, DB very appreciative of your advice & he was wavering on cancelling. But all that's changed now with a Skype call last night from my brother in law, sadly the old man worsening seemingly almost overnight. His Parkinson's has progressed to the next stage and DB believes (as do I) this will definitely be the last Christmas. Dad is hanging on to the thought DB will be there by midnight Thursday and it seems it's the only thing keeping him going. The new medication is cruelling and his hallucinations so much worse. DB saw his psych on Saturday & she has given him her mobile & said he can call at any time if he is at risk. He has sensible plans & if he sticks with them he will succeed. Whatever happens it's a journey that needs to be taken sooner or later, if DB holds off to go next year & dad passes on the trip next year will be far harder. Thank you again for your support NT'rs I'm so grateful to this forum. Oh and I won't be writing the family, best to leave that stone in place!!