Dream comes true for terminally-ill cancer patient after New Cross Hospital wedding
A hospital ward was transformed into a wedding venue for the whirlwind marriage of a cancer patient who has been given just weeks to live.
Tim Elsmore proposed to his partner of six years, Julie Rowley, this week – and with the help from staff at New Cross the sweethearts tied the knot within 48 hours.
Julie was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year but the cancer has since spread to her lungs and doctors have said she has just weeks to live.
On Wednesday staff on Ward C18 became wedding planners for the day and transformed one of the rooms on the ward into a venue fit for a wedding – with balloons, banners and flowers.
They also found Julie, aged 48, a beautiful wedding dress and bouquet and arranged hair, nails and make-up for her.
Hospital staff ensured the event went smoothly while a registrar that they had booked on the couple's behalf presided over a moving ceremony.
Staff also organised a wedding reception with a buffet so the couple could celebrate afterwards with friends and family.
Tim, a lorry driver from Hednesford, said: “We have always lived on the same street, five doors away.
“We started dating about six years ago after Julie came and knocked on my door and we chatted all evening, sat on the step outside my house.
“We love going on holidays together and have such fun.
"It was always her dream to get married so I am so glad we got to do it and make her wish come true.
“The staff were amazing in helping organise the wedding in such a short time.
"They are incredible and do a fantastic job. We are so grateful to them.”
The new Mrs Elsmore said: “It was very exciting to get married and something I was very much looking forward to.
"Thank you to everyone who made it possible.”
