Backpacker, while I share your sentiments in general, I don't think you can compare a local jolly on a perfect day with transporting a terminally ill patient halfway across Europe. This, IMHO, is a medevac flight and should be undertaken by properly equipped crews.
Would I take someone flying on a local trip as a 'last wish' kind of thing? Definitely, if his doc agrees. Would I have undertaken the flight proposed to the OP? Definitely not.