Terminally-ill nurse ties knot on hospital ward

Emily and Jamie Cross also had a blessing in the hospital chapel

A terminally-ill nurse has been married on her hospital ward in what she said was a "beautiful and uplifting" ceremony.

Emily Cross, who has worked at the Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre in Fulwood, tied the knot with husband Jamie on the Ribblesdale Ward at the Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire.

"It was so special," she said. "I was allowed a few friends, my witnesses, and I had my white pyjamas and my fluffy socks on and had a beautiful day."

The 43-year-old had surgery in May to remove a cyst and biopsies initially suggested she was cancer-free but subsequent tests showed she had a rare type of cancer, secondary mucinous adenocarcinoma.

“I’m still fighting and processing it all, miracles can happen, you need to focus on positive affirmations and be thankful for everything," she said.

The couple were joined by staff from the Royal Preston Hospital

“I’m not ready and feel more at peace, more blessed, because you have time to appreciate everything everyone does and all your friends and support. Every day is a blessing.

“I’ve been away from my children, but to make sure I’m home again with them, enjoying that time is so important to me, I can’t think of anything better, I’m very positive about it.”

After the service the couple, who live in Preston, had a blessing in the hospital chapel.

Reverend Martin McDonald "blessed the rings, read a lovely poem and some words, and it was uplifting", Mrs Cross said.

“It was one of the most special days of my life," her husband said. "These last five years have been the best of my life since I met Emily."

Reverend Martin McDonald blessed the rings and read a poem

Mrs Cross added: “We’d love to have had all our friends and family there, but our aim is hopefully when I’m well enough to have them round, but I wouldn’t change anything from the day for the world, it was a beautiful day and lifted my spirits, and Jamie’s, completely."

Rev McDonald said to be part of the day was "a real blessing".

"It was an incredible team effort from the wonderful staff here at our hospital," he said.