'We thought we'd be spending our anniversary in a log cabin – instead it was in a hospice'
“They’ve given us memories we can hold on to”
A couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary – a milestone they feared they would never reach – after hospice staff secretly created a surprise date night for them.
Charlene Heslop, aged 38, from Staveley, was told just days after marrying husband Jordan, 33, that her cervical cancer had returned and that she may only have three to nine months to live.
One year on, the couple marked their first anniversary at Ashgate Hospice, where staff transformed the conservatory into a private restaurant to give them a celebration they will treasure forever.
Jordan has not left Charlene’s side since she was admitted to Ashgate's Inpatient Unit 20 days ago for specialist pain management.
Using one of the hospice’s specialist cuddle beds – an extra-wide bed designed to allow loved ones to stay close – he has slept beside her every night.
When staff discovered the couple’s anniversary was approaching, they quietly planned a special surprise.
The conservatory was decorated with flowers, candles and balloons, while Head Chef, Mark Taylor, created a three-course meal based around Charlene’s favourite foods.
The couple enjoyed garlic dough balls, spaghetti bolognese, pizza, hot chocolate fondant with salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, along with a bottle of alcohol-free fizz.
As they entered the room, their wedding song – (I've Had) The Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing – began playing, just as it had when they shared their first dance as husband and wife.
Jordan said: “We'd always planned to spend our first wedding anniversary in a log cabin, but obviously that wasn't going to be possible.
“Instead, Ashgate gave us a date night we’ll never forget.
“We didn’t know they were doing any of it. They decorated the whole room, played our wedding song, cooked Charlene’s favourite meal and made it so special.
“It meant the world to us.”
Charlene and Jordan have been together for 12 years and were engaged for eight years before finally marrying on 24 July 2025.
Jordan described their wedding day as "perfect". Just days later, their newlywed happiness was shattered when Charlene was told her cervical cancer had returned.
Charlene was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015 and successfully completed treatment. When the cancer returned in 2023, she underwent further treatment and was again told there was no evidence of disease.
However, just months later, the cancer returned for a third time and Charlene was given a terminal diagnosis.
A year later, Charlene has already lived beyond the three-to-nine-month prognosis she was given.
She has received support from Ashgate's community team for around two years and is now receiving care on the Inpatient Unit for specialist symptom management. This is her fourth admission to the ward.
Jordan said the care they have received has completely changed their understanding of hospice care.
“When Charlene first came here she was frightened because, like so many people, she thought hospice meant the end,” he said.
“But it’s nothing like that.
“Visitors can come whenever they want. Charlene has even been able to go out for the day to have her nails done before coming back.
“They support the whole family, not just the person who is ill.”
As part of the anniversary surprise, staff also arranged for the couple to create a hand cast together – a keepsake of a day they will always remember.
“They’ve given us memories we can hold on to,” Jordan said.
“They couldn’t do enough for us.
“They’re not just there for Charlene – they’re there for me too. They keep checking how I’m doing and making sure I’m okay.
“One of the nurses even told me she’s always got a shoulder for me if I need to cry.
“They’ve been amazing.”
Charlene and Jordan, who share a 12-year-old stepson, said the celebration was about much more than a meal.
It was about having time together and creating memories as a family.
Karen Walker, Ward Leader at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Charlene and Jordan’s story shows exactly what hospice care is about – helping people make the most of every precious moment together.
“When the team realised their first wedding anniversary was approaching, everyone wanted to help create something meaningful for them.
“It was a privilege to be part of such a special moment and help them make memories they can treasure.”
For Jordan, the most important part of the anniversary was being together.
"As long as I'm with Charlene," he said, "that's all that matters."