Emotional day as cancer patient Robbie marries childhood sweetheart

Surrounded by friends and family in St Thomas' Church in Stourbridge Robbie and his partner Gemma vowed to love, comfort, honour and protect one another.

It was after being diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer earlier this year that the decision was made to bring the wedding forward, with a date having previously been set for September.

Robbie's mother Judie Eves said: "They have been engaged for four years and they always intended to get married in September this year.

"With Robbie's diagnosis it was all put on hold – and then a while later it was decided to bring it all forward. It was all arranged very quickly in a matter of two or three weeks."

Around 80 members of the couple's friends and family gathered for the wedding on Saturday.

The couple started going out when they were both teenagers and 16 years on they have two young sons Ruaridh, four, and Euan, 21 months.

In an emotional and moving service, Rev Andrew Sillis told them: "You two have got a much better idea of what the future holds than most couples have prior to their marriage.

"In your situation many people would be afraid, but what I see in you two is no fear at all.

"The strength you have in life for one another – that is indescribably admirable. Loves casts out fear."

Robbie, aged 34, from Stourbridge, is well known among the rugby community having played at Stourbridge RFC since the age of six.

He progressed through every age level to colts and was part of a successful team which won The North Midlands Cup when he was 16.

He also played for his school team, Oldswinford Hospital School, which culminated in a rugby tour of Australia in 2000.

Robbie, who later became a software engineer, continued to represent Stourbridge Rugby Club at senior level, playing for the 1st, 2nd and Lions teams. He also played for county team, Hereford and Worcester.

Sixty players have now already signed up to take to the field for Stourbridge in a benefit match to be held on July 22 to help the family.

Judie added: "If there is one word to sum up how I feel towards Robbie, it is proud. I have always been proud of him and he has never done anything to make us anything but proud. That includes all his achievements in rugby and in his career and how he has provided for Gemma and their sons. And again on Saturday I felt so proud with how he conducted himself and got through the day."

The benefit game at Stourbridge RFC will feature a game of four, 20 minute sessions starting at 7pm. There will be a post-game DJ, an auction and raffle.

Money raised will go towards a trust fund for Gemma and the boys, help pay for any treatment which can help Robbie, with leftover money to be donated to a charity of the family's wishes.

For further details on the game contact club president John Slim on 07989 786913. Visit www.justgiving.com and search for 'Helping Robbie Through Rugby' to donate.