Hospice staff grant patient's final wedding wish

The groom is granted his final wish

A seriously ill man married his long-term partner when his final wish was granted by hospice staff just days before his death from lung cancer.

The ceremony for Sean Carter and wife Annette - who had been together for 18 years - was held at St Giles Hospice in Lichfield, Staffordshire, where the team caring for him organised the occasion.

“It was such an amazing day for us, one that I will never forget," Mrs Carter said.

"Sean and I had always thought we’d missed the boat when it came to marriage, after we’d been together for so long. We were so grateful for everyone who helped make our dream come true.”

The hospice team provided Annette with a wedding dress that had been donated to one of their charity shops, decorated Mr Carter’s room, and arranged for a photographer to be on hand.

The couple exchanged vows on 10 June last year in the hospice gardens, surrounded by a small group of close friends and family.

Reflecting on their day one summer on, Mrs Carter explained: "Sean was one in a million, and I miss him more and more each day – he was so special to everyone.

"All the team at St Giles did Sean proud – they couldn’t have done enough for him and us as a family."

Kristy Clayton, director of clinical services at St Giles Hospice, said: “It was a privilege to have been able to fulfil Sean’s final wish.

"Moments like these remind us why we do what we do.”