What to get DP's poorly dad for Xmas?

[sianais]

My DP is moving to live with me in a couple of weeks. Yay! We are going to stay with his family for the week of Xmas so I'm thinking presents. However, his DF is very poorly and no one knows (for lack of a better phrase) how long he's got - or how well he's going to be for the next year or so. I was thinking an experience but see above! He's retired, was a craftsman, and likes trains but is very hard to buy for. DP has no idea, DP's mum said 'don't bother'!

Any ideas?

Depending on where you are and how mobile he is really... steam train drive with afternoon tea after? If in NE there is/was a place that did dinner in a Pullman carriage?

He is East Mids based. I did wonder about that but DP says no train related activities nearby!

Perhaps a DVD of Special Trains and Train Journeys such as the West Highland Line, Orient Express the Settle line. That is all I can think of but maybe you can find others. Some books about Trains and their Journeys

Loughborough is in the East Midlands. They have steam trains, do trips and you can have an evening meal on board.

I remember struggling with a similar situation when dh's grandfather was terminally ill at Christmas a few years ago. I made up a massive hamper with his favourite foods/drinks/sweets, cosy socks & toiletries. He was really pleased with it.

OP - as a PP has suggested, there's Great Central Railway in Loughborough, which is huge ( and East Mids) or there's Midland Railway in Derbyshire - both do Christmas experiences.

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1480282-d1819720-Reviews-Midland_Railway-Ripley_Derbyshire_England.html