A groom who was told that his fiancée had only few days to live, organised a wedding within 24 hours.
The bride was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 but her health began deteriorating after the disease spread to her lungs
Mark Batt-Rawden and his partner Maggie had gotten married in the hospital where she was going to spend her last days.
The bride was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 but her health began deteriorating after the disease spread to her lungs.
ADVERTISEMENT
The doctors had told the couple on November 20 that Maggie may not survive the weekend.
So Mark with the help of the hospital staff at Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, set up weddin. The ceremony took place at Maggie’s bedside.
"Maggie and I were overwhelmed by the hospital team."
"They made the impossible happen and created a dream wedding given the most hopeless circumstances – they even bought balloons and a cake.
"The wedding will be a memory of a lifetime, not only for us but everyone who attended," said Mark, a 54-year-old property developer.
ADVERTISEMENT
The quickie wedding was attended by Maggie‘s children 24-yr-old James, 20-yr-old Tim and 18-yr-old Lizzie.
The newlyweds celebrated with their friends and family until 10pm, including Mark’s children 27-yr-old Samantha and 25-yr-old Andrew.
"Maggie had absolutely no idea how many people were coming and had not seen any of the preparation in the room, the expression on her face was a picture. It was a true delight to see.”
"There was so much love and laughter on the day," Mark said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Doctors were surprised that the bride has continued to fight the disease and has lived longer than predicted. Her illness is still considered terminal.
"The love and compassion showed by Monty and the Albury Ward Team and my family and friends allowed us to give everyone the opportunity to see me, perhaps for the last time, in a happy way where congratulations replaced goodbye," Maggie said.
"It was a pleasure and a privilege to help Mark and Maggie organise their wedding. Everyone from the doctors to the hospital cleaners were involved in helping create a day to remember," Monty the chief nurse said.
