Bideford couple enjoy perfect wedding day thanks to North Devon Hospice

A local couple from Bideford have recently tied the knot thanks to the support of North Devon Hospice. 

Keith and Sue, who have been together for 30 years, finally fulfilled their lifelong dream of getting married in a heartfelt ceremony made possible by the hospice team.

Keith, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago, has experienced a decline in his health over the past few months.

The increasing challenges led the couple to seek support from North Devon Hospice.

Sue said: “While Keith was diagnosed almost three years ago, he’s deteriorated more over the last few months, which is why we were referred to the hospice,” said Sue. “Having them visit us at home has been absolutely brilliant and has made things a lot easier. Avril – our wonderful nurse - has really helped with Keith’s pain and if I’ve got questions, all I need to do is call the hospice and I know someone will be there on the end of the phone to help.”

During one of her visits, Avril learned of the couple’s long-held wish to get married.

Inspired by their story, she quickly enlisted the help of the hospice Fundraising Team to plan a wedding day that the couple would never forget.

Avril said: “If there’s something our patients want to do with their loved ones in the time they have, we always try and go the extra mile to make it happen. When Sue and Keith mentioned how they’d always wanted to get married, the team and I rallied to make this possible. We managed to arrange some gorgeous decorations, a stunning wedding cake kindly donated by M&Ms Cake and Bakes, and a delicious Graze Board generously donated by Graze and S’more. It was a beautiful day and one we were privileged to be part of.”

Sue was overwhelmed by how quickly the arrangements came together. “Since Keith proposed, the cancer has taken over, so I wasn’t sure whether our wedding would even be possible. But Avril and the community teams have done an incredible job of helping to organise the day – we couldn’t be more grateful.”

On the morning of the wedding, Sue returned from getting her hair done to find her house transformed. 

Sue said: “I came back to see the house full of decorations, food, and a beautiful cake – Avril was even ironing Keith’s shirt to make sure he looked the part! Everything about it was just perfect, and to have this memory to cherish and look back on is just wonderful.”

North Devon Hospice cares for around 3,000 patients and families each year, both at the hospice and in the community. 

Their efforts in creating precious moments like Keith and Sue’s wedding are made possible through the generosity of supporters.