Of course he shouldn't pay it. Many funeral directors will offer some kind of payback option anyway.

It's good to be kind but if they both work then they should pay. If you have children then as a parent you take responsibility for them. In life or death.

"It feels much better than it ever did, much more sensitive." John Wayne Bobbit

Real tough one.

Personally if I could afford to I would not lend them the money but give it to them. It is not a life changing amount. I agree with previous post that how do we know that they haven't been spending all of their spare money on the child's care, and that they could not keep her full time as they did not have the facilities to do so.

They may well have gone on a holiday as they needed time away as it must be horrific for them too. How would you react if you knew your child was going to die before you? No parent should have to bury their children.

If it turns out in the future that the above was not the case and they had been spending it purely on themselves, then would you really want them as friends in the long run if they see you as a cash cow?

I would give the money with a clear state of mind that you are truly doing the right thing. I mean what is money over something this close to home anyway?

Some people are like Slinkies … not really good for anything, but you can’t help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.

I must say i'm surprised by the lack of compassion and judgmental responses on this

Maybe they're right about people living in London?

Paua oouaarancì Irà chiyeah Ishé galé ma ba oo ah

This.
Yes they may well have gone away recently but was this a regular thing or their first trip away in years? We don't know.
What we do know is that 3-4k won't make a dent in the friends savings and despite the odd non-repayment over the years, both parties still remain very close.

Give them the money and wish them well for what will certainly be one of the worst days of their lives.

Buy Litecoin.

I don't think it is so much that people are being judgemental as that there is limited information to go on.

Not judgemental at all
Just an opinion.
When my father in law died none of us had a pot but between us we raised enough for a decent send off.
We didn't ask for a rich friend or relative to pay and make them feel guilty.and we probably all know rich people personally.
They offered but was told to chip in an amount the same as all of us.
This guy might as well give the money to a charity researching the illness the poor girl died from.
That may save a life in future.
Sorry but to me as I said if they knew it was coming they should have prepared for It, not go swanning off on holiday for what sounds like an expensive break. I like loads on here haven't had a holiday for ages because I have priorities; like a mortgage, and bills. God I could do with one but hey ho play with the hand you got.