Terminally-ill cancer patient marries partner of 33 years on Walsall Manor ward
A terminally-ill patient suffering from coronavirus has married his partner of 33 years in a ward at Walsall Manor Hospital.
Melvin Melia this week married Lisa Robinson in a specially-decorated side room of Ward 17 at the hospital.
Melvin, aged 66, was diagnosed with lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2016 and has also had bowel cancer.
He was brought into hospital six weeks ago after becoming unwell and breathless and tested positive for coronavirus.
Lisa, 53, explained: “This is a virus that’s really scary for all of us because we’ve not seen anything like it before and we knew it would affect Melvin badly on top of his terminal illness.
“I haven’t been able to see him for so many weeks but he did say he wanted us to get married when he came out of hospital.
"With his health now he is having palliative care so we know we haven’t got much time left together.
"The staff on Ward 17 and the fundraising manager at the hospital have organised everything for us to have a wedding in Melvin’s side room and we’re really thankful.”
Lisa, who used to work in Sainsbury’s at Reedswood, arrived at the hospital in a classic car and teamed her elegant wedding dress with pink converse trainers.
“I wanted a pink theme so the flowers are pink and my wedding cake is a shade of pink too, it’s beautiful,” she said.
Hospital Chaplain Anthony Swaby married the pair after getting permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Westminster offices.
Melvin, who used to work all over the country supplying hygienic wall coverings to premises such as hospitals and laboratories, met Lisa in the City Slickers nightclub in Walsall town centre and the couple got together a few weeks later.
“I love his dry sense of humour and he’s very kind and thoughtful,” she said while Melvin described Lisa as “a lovely girl.” And he thought his bride looked a picture in her dress and veil.
“Today is special to us because we’ve always wanted to get married but never got round to it,” said Lisa. “It’s more important than ever with everything that’s happened and it feels right that we are doing it now. Thank you to everyone who has helped us.”
Fundraising Manager Georgie Westley supported Ward 17 staff to organise their special day.
She said: “Congratulations to Melvin and Lisa. It has been our pleasure to help them and we send them home with our love and best wishes.”
Henry Constable Cars of Willenhall supplied the car, Flowers & Balloons the flowers, Elior the buffet and Lesley Jones created the balloon display.
