Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
In sickness and in health...
Wedded bliss Christina and Craig celebrate their big day
Besotted Plains couple Craig and Christina Ferguson had an extra-special reason to celebrate tying the knot – as their magical wedding day came just two months on from Craig’s life-changing kidney transplant.
The love-struck newlyweds had to postpone their big day in May with only 48 hours’ notice due to Craig’s operation, but on Friday the pair finally said “I do” in front of proud family and friends.
Craig and Christina Ferguson finally got to say “I do” two months af ter their dream wedding was postponed due to the groom receiving a life-changing kidney transplant.
The Plains couple were joined by family and friends on Friday as they tied the knot at The Georgian Hotel in Coatbridge.
In May, the Advertiser reported how Craig went from polishing off his speech and pressing his kilt to nervously lying in a hospital bed after being awoken by an urgent call from doctors telling him a matching kidney was available – just two days before he was due to marry Christina.
Craig, 26, had lived with a debilitating renal disease for almost a decade and spent an anxious 12 months awaiting a new kidney.
Thankfully his surgery was a “complete success” and he was a picture of happiness as he exchanged vows with “beautiful bride” Christina, 24, last week – at their original venue of choice.
Craig said: “After I got out of hospital, we went back to The Georgian Hotel, and fortunately they had this date. The wedding was fantastic. Christina was a beautiful bride and it was a perfect day celebrating with family and friends.
“It was a double celebration; it’s a new lease of life. All the family kept saying how good I was looking, that things have worked out well and that they’re proud of me.”
Craig and Christina, whose maiden name was also Ferguson, met in Caldercruix 13 years ago and were engaged in 2011.
The pair are proud parents of Hayden, seven, and Lilly, three, and involved the children in their special day.
Christina explained: “Hayden was a groomsman and the ring bearer and Lilly was our flower girl. They loved it and went on to party in the evening!
“Craig’s best man was his friend Ian Morgan, who did a wonderful job, and my sister Amy Ferguson, cousin Kelsay Martin and friends Alana Thomson, Julie Davey and Bonnie Fagan were my bridesmaids.
“My grandad, John McArdle, walked me down the aisle and Craig’s sister Hayley and Ian acted as our witnesses.
“It was a lovely occasion and it was extra special after what Craig has been through. There were a few lumps in throats when we had our first dance and the speeches went great. We also collected for the Kidney Research UK charity, so thanks to our guests for their generosity.”
Christina hailed the support provided to her and Craig by local companies in making their magical day go perfectly, which allayed the couple’s fears that their late cancellation would lead to rescheduling problems.
She said: “Everything was rearranged fine and everyone was very accommodating.
“We can’t thank Brendan [ Crozier, general manager] at The Georgian Hotel enough as he gave us the full wedding package, the hair and make-up team were fantastic, our photographer upgraded our package and stayed for the whole day and we managed to get the same entertainment – Magic Mirror – who supplied a photo booth.”
Craig and Christina have had to put their honeymoon plans on hold as Craig’s recovery process includes being unable to fly for a year – but have a special plan for their first anniversary.
Christina said: “We are planning our first- ever family holiday with the kids next year.
“Hayden has been abroad before with his grandparents, but it will be Lilly’s first time on a plane. It gives us all something to look forward to.”
Delighted Christina is “over the moon” to see the transformation in her new husband’s health following his transplant.
She added: “Craig is doing great. He was going to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital twice a week, but now only has to go once a fortnight.
“Craig is a different person; he has got his colour back and is getting out more and being more sociable, including taking part in the British Transplant Games.”
And Craig has been selected for a starring role at this weekend’s sporting spectacular.
He explained: “I found out on the wedding day that I’d be carrying the flag for Team Lanarkshire at the opening ceremony tomorrow. Karen [Casey], the team manager, was at the wedding at night and told us. Now the whole family wants to go!”
Turn to pages four and five.
Christina was a beautiful bride and it was a perfect day . . . Craig Ferguson