Doncaster cancer patient ties the knot in hospital

Staff at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and a number of charities pulled out all the stops to ensure 27-year-old Stacey Rankin and Daniel Meachen, aged 34 had a day to remember.

Stacey was diagnosed with ovarian cancer eight weeks ago and was admitted to hospital in December when her health started to deteriorate.

While in hospital Stacey and Daniel, who have been together for 10 years and engaged for eight years, decided to get married.

Speaking after the service on January 7, Stacey said: “It’s been an exciting and brilliant day. Thank you to everyone for making our special day so special and for giving us such lovely memories to cherish.”

To make the day even more special, national charity Willow provided a horse-drawn carriage to pick up Stacey and her two children, Oliver, aged six, and three-year-old Amelia – who were page boy and bridesmaid at the wedding.

The family were taken from the hospital on the carriage and enjoyed a ride before being brought back for the wedding service.

The service was held in a clinic in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital followed by the reception, where staff from the ward joined over 60 family members and friends for the occasion.

Jo Mann, Cancer Nurse Specialist Gynae-oncology, who helped organise the wedding, said: “It was a real privilege and a pleasure to be part of Stacey and Daniel’s wedding. They are a devoted couple and she looked beautiful.

“It is very rare for someone so young to get this condition and when the couple told us they wanted to get married we were determined they should have a really special day.

“I feel proud to be part of an organisation that cares so much. The whole hospital got involved and went over and above so that Stacey and Daniel and their children have some very special memories.”

The Eve Merton Dreams Trust, a Doncaster charity which helps to make Doncaster cancer patients’ dreams come true, arranged the flowers, catering, seat covers and balloons and paid for the children’s outfits.

Supported by Bliss Wedding dress shop and the Aurora Shop, Stacey was every bit the blushing bride and friends of the hospital staff looking after her did her hair, make up, and nails for the day.

They also provided the DJ for the wedding disco.

The finishing touches were added by Denise Wilson, a member of staff in the clinic, who handmade the wedding favours, cutlery holders and wedding card box.

The special occasion was all captured by the Trust’s clinical photographers to create an album of keepsakes.