End-of-life patient gets married from hospital bed

A woman receiving palliative care has finally said "I do" to her partner of 42 years from her hospital bed.

Carol Lee, 75, married Philip Pettit, 73, on 20 March at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick, where she is being treated for inoperable stomach cancer.

"Philip always wanted to get married. It's the one thing I can do for him before I die," she said.

Mr Pettit added: "I feel like the luckiest man in the world and I should have done this 40 years ago. She looks so beautiful."

The couple tied the knot surrounded by friends, family and hospital staff

The couple first met on a night out with friends.

"We were at a little club and we had a dance and got on really well," remembered Mrs Pettit.

"We lived together but never really thought about getting married – we were very happy together."

Palliative care nurse Jo Clews said: "The ceremony was beautiful. We played her song, that she wanted, which was 'Loving You', which was very touching.

"And she'd got her family and friends around her."

After the ceremony, Mrs Pettit, who has now been moved to a hospice for her final days, said: "It was the best day of my life. I was strangely nervous in the morning.

"But I'm happy now."

The couple said their vows surrounded by family and friends