‘THE HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE’
Cancer patient Sam and bride Hollie get married in ‘perfect’ ceremony at hospital
CANCER patient Sam Cookson has got married – at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The 34-year-old – who has a brain tumour – has remained in the hospital since suffering a stroke in October.
But the dad-of-two tied the knot with Hollie Bowyer on Friday after staff teamed up with the hospital’s charity and catering supplier to make the day possible.
It comes as family and friends are continuing to rally around the popular construction worker and Stoke City fan. A fundraiser was held at Burslem Golf Club last month.
Now Hollie, aged 36, of Leek, has described the ceremony as ‘perfect’.
The couple have been together for seven years and got engaged last Christmas.
After being approached by Hollie about having a hospital wedding, staff on Ward 228 went to work.
They teamed up with the UHNM Charity and caterers Sodexo before transforming a side room on the ward with balloons, fairy lights, banners and flowers.
Hollie said: “Everything has been perfect – it was the happiest day of my life. I would like to thank all the nurses and staff involved in our wedding and for their continuous support and compassion.”
Ward sister Carrie-ann Smith says the team were keen to make sure the wedding went ahead.
She said: “Sam has been our patient for quite some time, and unfortunately he has had a stroke which has delayed him going home.
“Hollie asked us the question about getting married and we were more than happy to accommodate their special day. It’s an honour to not only look after patients like Sam, but to be part of something so special that will be a magical memory forever for both Hollie and their twoyear-old daughter Penny is fantastic.”