A couple who had to abandon their dream wedding plans to marry abroad after the groom was diagnosed with terminal cancer have tied the knot at a lastminute ceremony, thanks to the kind donations of strangers.
Tracy Brooks, 45, and Ray Kershaw, 63, had hoped to wed in Tenerife next year but were forced to change their plans when Ray was diagnosed withterminal cancer in March.
Mr Kershaw, who has intestinal cancer, has just days left to live and is currently being cared for at Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
Tracy Brooks, 45, and Ray Kershaw, 63, had hoped to wed in Tenerife nextyear but were forced to change their plans when Ray was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March. Pictured: the last-minute ceremony at Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, Greater Manchester
But thanks to the generosity of strangers and the charity Gift of a Wedding, the couple, who both live in Shawclough, Rochdale, tied the knot on Saturday in a wedding that was arranged in less than 24 hours.
Wedding organisers put out a call for donations for a ceremony originallyscheduled to go ahead on June 2.
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But as Mr Kershaw's condition started to deteriorate, the wedding was brought forward to Saturday, giving the families and Gift of a Wedding less than 24hours to organise their big day.
Within hours of publishing the appeal, strangers and businesses had offered to pay for wedding cars, flowers, venue dressing, a cake and everythingelse required for the event.
Mr Kershaw and his new wife tied the knot at a moving ceremony attended by close relatives, friends and nursing staff at the hospice on Saturday afternoon.
Bedside ceremony: The brave couple said their vows from Mr Kershaw's bed after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March. He has just days to live
Moving: Close relatives, friends and nursing staff attended the ceremony on Saturday. Here a friend gives Mr Kershaw a ring
Generous: Within hours of publishing an appeal, strangers and businesses had offered to pay for wedding cars, flowers, venue dressing, a cake and everything else required for the event
Bridesmaid and relative Melissa King said the couple had been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity.
She said: 'All Ray and Tracy knew the cancer was terminal so all they wanted was to get married.
'What Gift of a Wedding did was incredible. They were up all hours thenight before the wedding to make sure it happened.
'I know Tracy and Ray can't thank everyone enough for making it happen. We can't believe how much people donated at such short notice.'
Gift of a Wedding, posting on Facebook, said: 'We truly cannot thank each and every one of you enough who shared and commented on our post and most of all to the amazing suppliers who have come together at such short notice - you're all brilliant.
Kindness of strangers: Charity Gift of a Wedding helped the couple to organise a fund to help them make their last-minute vows. Pictured: The Springhill staff with the newlyweds
All smiles: The couple put on brave faces and both dressed to impress, determined to enjoy their last-minute special day
'Once again a huge thank you to all the suppliers who are donating their time goods and services to make sure our couple have a fantastic day.'
Social media users have stepped up to say how wonderful the brave newlyweds are.
FriendChristine Warburton said before yesterday's ceremony: 'You two are amazing Tracy and Ray.
'All our best wishes, enjoy your day - hope the rain keeps off. Enjoy every minute on your wedding. A special day for you two lovely people - bless you, a big hug, congratulations.'
Malcolm Heaton added: 'Have a wonderful afternoon. Hope the sun is shining for you! Sending congratulations and love to you both! Thinking of you both, Malc and Carol xxx'
Thankful: Gift of a Wedding, posting on Facebook, said: 'Rochdale you're just the best! Thank you so much for pulling together to help us with this urgent wedding today'
BakerLayla Palin, who provided the cake for the special day, said: 'Hope they enjoy my cake... was a pleasure to help out.'
Hospital staff elsewhere in Greater Manchester also went the extra mile this month by moving the bed of dying Beatrice Whitehead next to her husband of 67 years so that they could enjoy their final days together.
Mrs Whitehead, 87, had been battling bone cancer for six years and decided to decline any further treatment for the disease.
The great-grandmother was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital in Greater Manchester in April, and just a few weeks later, Mr Whitehead, 90, fell ill and was also admitted.
The childhood sweethearts from nearby Farnworth had their beds moved by hospital staff and were side by side to see out Beatrice's last days in a move daughter Suzanne Hall described as 'wonderful'.
