An elderly couple got married at Furness General Hospital this week after learning the bride didn't have long to live.
Valerie Goodwin and Brian Squire have been together for 31 years but the pair - from Grange-over-Sands - decided to tie the knot after the now Mrs. Squire stopped treatment for a blood disorder that'd started affecting her liver, kidneys and heart.
The ceremony for the duo - aged 79 and 80 - took place on ward 9 and was organised in less than 24 hours by clinical and catering staff and FGH chaplain Rev Ed Northey.
Speaking to our colleagues at the Northwest Evening Mail, Mrs Squire said: “It was a decision I wanted to make rather than face more problems and side effects. I was rattling with tablets.”
Mr Squire, 80, said: “It’s touch and go. The doctor sat down with us and explained that there’s nothing now they can really do for her, so it‘s a question of how long she’s got.”
The couple have decided to share their story with the world in a bid to raise awareness and vital funds for Ward 9 and the Coniston Suite at FGH. Due to her weak immune system, Mrs Squire will continue to be cared for on the ward while her new husband will visit her every day.
Mr Squire said: “This hospital is an absolutely brilliant place. The staff all deserve medals. We’d never met angels until we came here.”
Anyone who wants to make a donation in honour of the Squire wedding can visit www.mbhcharity.org or call 01524 516064.