Hospice stages wedding for cancer patient

Hospice volunteers and staff pulled out all the stops to ensure a patient battling terminal cancer was able to marry his first love.
Jason Kelly and Michelle Burke tying the knot at Wigan and Leigh HospiceJason Kelly and Michelle Burke tying the knot at Wigan and Leigh Hospice
Jason Kelly and Michelle Burke tying the knot at Wigan and Leigh Hospice

Jason Kelly and Michelle Burke, from Beech Hill, tied the knot in an emotional ceremony at the Hindley headquarters of Wigan and Leigh Hospice (WLH).

The generous team at the charity’s Kildare Street base decorated the reflection room and conservatory to give Jason, Michelle and their families a truly special day.

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Jason, 52, is living with advanced liver cancer and had been cared for on the in-patient unit at WLH for several days before the wedding.

Bride Michelle said: “We’ve talked about getting married for a long time but just haven’t got round to it. I can’t put into words how we both feel about finally being man and wife

“We’ve had a fantastic day and the hospice really has made our dream come true.”

The couple, who rekindled their love five years ago but have known each other for more than three decades, became man and wife in a civil ceremony in the reflection room which was decked out with special seat covers, flowers, ribbons and bunting.

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After signing the register they then went through to the conservatory where they cut the cake and enjoyed some bubbly and a few nibbles.

There were 22 guests at the wedding as the hospice invited the couple’s closest family and friends to witness the big day.

WLH director of clinical services Jo Carby said: “We are very privileged to have been able to help Jason and Michelle make their dream come true.

“Our staff and volunteers pulled out all the stops to give them and their loved ones a very special memory which they will treasure forever.”

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