Published on: 7 August 2024
Ward staff turned wedding planners to organise a whirlwind ceremony after hearing one of their seriously ill patients had been due to exchange vows later this year.
John Cassidy was cared for on B26 at Sunderland Royal Hospital after he became unwell due to problems with his kidneys and liver.
He is now being given end-of-life care at his home in Sunderland.
The 57-year-old, who ran a shopfitting business until he had to retire due to stenosis, and his fiancée Nicola Wilson, 53, had been days away from visiting City Hall to confirm their ceremony in November when he was admitted.
John’s sisters Joan Smith, 66, and Joyce Donnelly, 69, their cousin Vicky Fury, 50, and his niece Claire Bainbridge, 49, were also at his bedside while he spent time on the ward.
Nurses, care staff and colleagues from CHoICE, the company owned by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust to run support services, sparked into action after an emotional conversation with this family.
A registrar from Sunderland City Council was called in to lead the service, with the room filled with decorations and flowers and the event completed with a buffet and fizz.
As the service was concluded, staff let off party poppers to mark the moment.
Nicola, who works as a domestic at a school, said:
"Joan had been chatting to one of the staff about the wedding and they said ‘We can do that here’ and they both started to cry.
"When I asked John, he was very weak, but he said yes and it all started to happen. Calls were made to the chaplaincy and the registrar said they would be with us the next day.
"We had been due to go to City Hall to make the arrangements and I’d made a plan to go for a meal afterwards to make a day of it, so I had my dress ready for that. I got John a new white T-shirt and a pair of shorts, which is what he’s comfortable in, so he looked very smart.
"They helped us get ready, somebody had brought in a balloon arch, flowers and a garland. John loves candles, so they had some of those as part of the decorations, which was a lovely touch. I couldn’t have done better myself, it was just absolutely amazing.
"The registrar spoke to John in such a sensitive way to check everything was ok, they were so good. Thankfully, I already had all the paperwork ready.
"Now I feel complete. John and I thought it was just absolutely unbelievable. He’s been very tired, but it was such a fantastic day.
"The staff were just so amazing, I can’t express what it meant to us and we cannot thank them enough."
Bethan Harris is the manager of B26.
She said:
"Caring for our patients goes beyond looking after their health and when something like this happens, we do everything we can to help.
"I’m very proud of my team and for everything they did to make this ceremony a special one for John, Nicola and their family.
"As soon as we found out about their wish to get married, calls were made to the registrar and we organised the ceremony.
"We bought decorations and clubbed together to buy banners, balloons, other decorations and put on a buffet.
"We were helped by our Macmillan unit and its team were compassionate and thoughtful as ever. They brought in a tree decoration and tags, so the family could write messages on them for the newlyweds.
"We also want to give a special shout out to King Events, which supplied the balloon arch and delivered it to the ward at 10pm the night before.
"We wish the couple our huge congratulations and send our love as they spend time together as Mr and Mrs Cassidy."
The buffet, message tree and balloon arch arranged by the ward team.
Superintendent Registrar for Sunderland City Council Janis Laidler added:
"We were very pleased to be able to help and assist John and Nicola with their ward wedding.
"Clearly we looked closely at their circumstances at what is an exceptionally sensitive time for the couple and were more than pleased to oversee the marriage ceremony and their exchange of vows.
"It was a great honour to be able to assist the couple in carrying out their wishes."
