Stafford hospice pulls out all the stops to make patient’s wedding dream come true

When patient Karl’s health declined suddenly, the hospice’s nurses helped organise a beautiful ceremony on Sunday, November 9, turning the couple’s hopes into reality in two days.

Originally due to marry at Stafford Registry Office on November 22, Karl – who was diagnosed with cancer in May 2024 – was admitted to the hospice in October for treatment. When his condition worsened and he was re-admitted on November 8, he asked if it might still be possible to marry Sarah.

Katharine House Hospice’s inpatient team immediately set to work. Volunteer Chaplain Revd. David Clark contacted the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Faculty Office to secure a special licence with just two days’ notice.

“It was a joy to officiate at Sarah and Karl’s wedding and a privilege to be invited into their lives at such a time,” said Revd. Clark.

“They taught me a great deal about love, resilience and tenderness. The hospice team worked wonders, transforming their Therapy & Wellbeing Centre into a beautiful wedding venue.”

Inpatient Lead Nurse, Georgia Simmons, coordinated community support with local businesses. Head Over Heels Venue Dressing provided decorations free of charge, and Sainsbury’s Stafford donated food and a wedding cake.

Around 30 family and friends gathered in the hospice’s Therapy & Wellbeing Centre, which was transformed with flowers, petals and a white-carpet aisle.

“It felt amazing to make this happen for Karl and Sarah,” said Georgia. “We rose to the challenge and made their day as special as we possibly could. Their love is truly inspiring.”

Karl and Sarah first met in 2010 and rekindled their friendship at Christmas 2022. Following Karl’s cancer diagnosis, they spoke about finally marrying.

“We should have done it years ago,” said Sarah. “One evening we just looked at each other and said, ‘Shall we get married?’ – and that was that!”

In October, Karl’s care was transferred to Katharine House Hospice, where the team helped manage his symptoms so he could continue radiotherapy.

“We then planned for his return home, but after five days he developed a chest infection and had to go back into hospital.

“When he came home again, I felt his symptoms had worsened, so I liaised with the charity’s doctors and planned his re-admission on Saturday, 8 November. However, we had our wedding planned for 22 November, and we decided we wanted to bring this forward.”

Initially reluctant to accept help from the hospice, Karl realised his early fears were unfounded. The couple expressed how much comfort they found at Katharine House Hospice.

“When Karl is here, he feels safe and relaxed,” said Sarah. “The team are incredible - nothing is ever too much. What they did for us was beyond words. It truly was the best day we could have wished for.

“I need everyone to know what a truly amazing place Katharine House Hospice is - the support is out of this world!”

Katharine House Hospice’s head of fundraising, Hannah Fahy, said: “Moments like this are a beautiful reminder of what makes our hospice so special. These moments are only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, whose fundraising and donations fund the majority of our care."

To find out more about their care, or make a donation, visit khhospice.org.uk