Royal Preston Hospital bride thought groom was confused about wedding

Paul and Deirdre Holt have known each other for 36 years

A bride who got married on a hospital ward at short notice after the groom's condition deteriorated has said she thought her new husband was "confused" when he suggested it.

Warton's Paul and Deirdre Holt married at Royal Preston Hospital after Paul was found to have suspected cancer.

Deirdre said it "wasn't looking good" for Paul, who has since improved, so they rushed to tie the knot.

She added that they always planned to marry, "although not like this".

The hospital said Paul was admitted after a fall and complained of a bad back.

A representative said the 66-year-old had "since been tested for suspected cancer along with further issues affecting his kidneys, lungs and heart".

They said the couple, who have known each other for 36 years and been together for five, had "quickly got the paperwork signed" and staff on the Enhanced High Care Unit decorated the family room to "make the occasion as special as possible".

Paul, whose condition has improved, said the staff were "fabulous"

Speaking after the service on 5 October, Deidre said it had all happened very quickly.

"It wasn't looking good," she said.

"The chaplain came to see Paul and said we could get married, which we had planned - although not like this.

"At first I just thought Paul was confused, but the chaplain spoke to me and said he could plan it, but I'd have to get a letter from the doctor and go to the Registry Office to get paperwork signed."

She said her friend Jan drove her to the registry office to get "everything sorted" and "made my bouquet up in the car while she waited for me".

The hospital representative said she returned to the ward, staff had "prepared the family room with a table, candle, some heart decorations, hot drinks and snacks".

Paul, whose condition has since improved, said the staff had been "fabulous".

"I couldn't even put the ring on the right finger and look at me now," he added.

Unit manager Amanda Jolly said she had worked at the hospital "for 20 years and not seen a wedding on the ward, so it was nice for the staff to be part of someone's special day".

Lead chaplain the Reverend Martin McDonald said the ward staff had "really pulled out all the stops to make it a very special occasion, going above and beyond [and] showing care and compassion to both Paul and Deirdre".

"Hospital weddings, whilst rare, are always a joy and we wish Paul and Deirdre every blessing," he added.

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