Village’s wedding gift to dying man
A VILLAGE banded together to help give a cancer victim his dream wedding, days before he died.
Chris Aldred, 52, had gone to hospital with suspected pneumonia but was told he had weeks to live and would have to go to a hospice.
He and partner of 25 years Penny Harris decided to marry. Chris had always wanted a traditional wedding but they hastily organised a low-key legal ceremony on July 24.
Five days after the do, 50 locals in Fermington, Devon, surprised the couple with a dream church ceremony followed by a lavish reception, after teaming up with local businesses. Chris, a father of four, died in Penny’s arms nine days later.
Penny, 48, said: “I’m still overwhelmed and blown away. They gave Chris something he wanted at such short notice.” Frank Biederman, of Fremington Community Group, added: “I have never known an effort like it, everyone was desperate to help.”