Kind-hearted staff rush to arrange dream wedding for patient with cancer
Kind-hearted staff have made the dreams of a patient with cancer come true after arranging for him to marry his long-time partner in a special ceremony attended by their loved ones.
Ant Hadfield and his now wife, Mandi, met 14 years ago in a tattoo shop, but were desperate to become man and wife as soon as possible after Ant became ill in March this year.
Colleagues on Ward 303 at Royal Derby Hospital arranged the intimate ceremony with just 48-hours notice, allowing Ant and Mandi to fulfil their dreams surrounded by their friends, family and colleagues who have been caring for Ant.
Ant, who is 60, was struggling to digest food and regularly getting the hiccups, and following an endoscopy, he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, which has now spread to his spine and resulted in Ant losing the use of his legs.
Speaking about Ant's illness, wife Mandi said: "It's been devastating. Ant has always been so independent; he loves going fishing and working on his motorbikes so it's been a huge blow for him.
"He is trying to keep his spirits up but it's all happened so fast. The wedding gave us some hope and something to look forward to in what has been a terrible time."
Staff on the ward wanted to make the day as memorable as possible for the couple and arranged for cake and food, a registrar and decorated the room where the wedding was held. A photographer from the community also captured photographs of the special occasion.
Ant, who has now returned to his home in Alvaston where he is being cared for, said: "The wedding was amazing and I can't believe they made it happen and our family and friends could be there with us. I was tired afterwards, but it was so worth it and I am so happy to finally be Mandi's husband."
Mandi said it was a dream come true to take Ant's last name and that the staff on the ward 'did us proud' by helping to make their wedding happen at such short notice.
She continued: "When we realised we could get married in the hospital, we were absolutely elated and it really gave us something to look forward to.
"It meant the world to us and we cannot thank everyone enough for all their work to make it happen. It was a quick turnaround but it was really special and we couldn’t have hoped for anything more. It was such a lovely day, they did us proud."
Laura Walker, Senior Sister on the ward, said it was a team effort, with everyone wanting to play a part in granting Ant's wish.
She said: "We were humbled to be able to help Ant and Mandi on their special day. We know just how important it is to Ant, that Mandi shares his last name; it's his legacy as he refers to it.
"When tasked with helping to facilitate a wedding like this, I think the team and the community always show such amazing compassion; as it really does remind us all that we are only given today and never promised tomorrow. It brings home the importance of telling the people who are special in your life that you love them."