Manchester: Grandma with days to live marries ‘soulmates’ in hospital

A grandmother with days to live was able to marry her “soulmate” thanks to her “amazing” nurses who helped arrange a last-minute ceremony in the infirmary.

Karen Cummings, 57, is being treated at Wythenshawe Hospital at the end of her life after being diagnosed with end-stage stomach cancer.

She told loved ones she didn’t want to die without tying the knot with her longtime partner Mark, 52, so staff spent eight hours organizing a makeshift ceremony last Monday, November 28.

Karen’s daughter Rachel Myers said: “It was the best day under the worst of circumstances.

“They made sure we got the doctor’s letter we needed to reach the registrar – the nurses were just amazing.”

The wedding was arranged with the help of Manchester Register Office and nurses Louise Long, Paula Needham, Sophie McNair, Lizz Fildes, Diane Greenwood and Rachel McMahon.

They made banners and flowers for Karen’s hair and brought cakes and food. One of the nurses brought the bouquet that she had at her own wedding.

Rachel, 34, said: “My parents have four children and seven grandchildren – they are soul mates.

“They met and got engaged a long time ago, and lately their lives have revolved around their love of camping trips and spending time with their grandchildren.

“It was very important to us, my mother didn’t want to leave without taking my father’s name and she has now fulfilled that wish along with a beautiful ring.”

The ceremony was attended by the couple’s children – Rachel, Sarah, 40, Gemma, 30, and Josh, 27 – their closest friends and family with caregivers.

Karen first went to the GP in January with symptoms including nausea, dizziness and heartburn. She had two benign results before being transferred to Salford Royal Hospital for further testing.

She was diagnosed with cancer in early October.

Rachel said: “Mum was supposed to be referred to the Christie’s but unfortunately we never made it there. It was a hurricane with a terrible 11 weeks – we fought and fought for her.

“It went from what we thought was a curable cancer to the news on Saturday night that she wouldn’t make it through Sunday night.

“But she’s still here. I just can’t believe it, I’m in awe of her. She is doing surprisingly well considering the circumstances.’

Paying tribute to the staff who “went out of their way” to accommodate her mother’s wish, Rachel added, “It’s been an extremely incredible and emotional day, but we as a family want to try to thank them for what they do for.” her mom did and dad on Monday.’

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