Groom who defied cancer dies in his wife’s arms two years on
A Father-of-three who married his girlfriend ten days after being diagnosed with terminal cancer has died after a two-and-a-half year battle with the disease.
Despite being given just months to live, Chris Clark defied his doctors’ expectations and withstood more than 60 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy.
The freelance photographer was told he had stomach cancer in October 2012.
he proposed to his girlfriend Charlotte Barnes moments later and the couple rushed to organise their dream wedding, walking down the aisle just ten days later.
On April 8, the former navy man passed away in his wife’s arms at the age of 43.
‘Chris was not only my husband, but he was my best friend and soul mate,’ said Mrs Clark, 32. ‘I can’t begin to put into words how grateful I am for everyone’s beautiful comments and condolences so far.’
She added: ‘I am humbled beyond belief by people having taken stock of their own lives and relationships with loved ones and used our story as inspiration, not only to stop worrying about the little things but start living in the moment.’
After he received the devastating diagnosis at Warwick hospital, Mr Clark asked Mrs Clark to marry him and the pair planned their wedding from his hospital bed. They married in their hometown in Off-church, near Leamington Spa, surrounded by 300 family and friends including Mr Clark’s children Connor, 22, Logan, 19 and Sennen, 17 from a previous marriage.
‘It was the most amazing and magical day,’ said Mrs Clark, who now lives in Long Itchington, Warwickshire. ‘I’m so lucky I got to meet and marry a man as amazing as Chris. I thank God for every day he gave me with him.’
At Mr Clark’s funeral yesterday, more than 300 mourners walked behind his hearse.
Writing on Facebook his daughter Sennen said: ‘You inspired so many including myself to push themselves, never give in and stay positive.
‘everyday I will strive to make you proud my hero, best friend and teacher. I know you’re still here with me. Love you always.’
Social worker Mrs Clark has now signed up to take part in Race for Life in her late husband’s honour to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. In 2013 the couple started Coventry city centre’s Race for Life, where Mrs Clark raised nearly £3,000.
They were later invited to 10 Downing Street to meet Samantha Cameron after winning Cosmopolitan magazine’s Ultimate Love Story competition. ‘ Chris was a fighter to the last and I’m extremely proud to be doing Race for Life in his memory,’ said Mrs Clark. ‘he didn’t lose his fight, he kicked cancer’s butt for more than two years and I intend to carry on that fight in his honour.’
Cancer Research UK spokesman Paula Young said: ‘I had the great honour of meeting Chris ...in 2013 and was struck by what a loving, devoted family man he was.’