WE FOUND LOVE IN A CARE HOME
AWOMAN with cerebral palsy says she is determined to get out of her wheelchair to walk down the aisle when she marries the partner she met at her care home.
Sian Walley, 45, and ex-plumber Steven Ferrier, 55, are due to tie the knot next Sunday after getting engaged on Valentine’s Day last year.
In addition to cerebral palsy, Sian has epilepsy, as well as other medical issues, while Steve has suffered a heart attack and several strokes. Both are permanent wheelchair users.
Sian says she will be walking down the aisle at the Ramada Hotel in Wrexham, with support from helpers.
“Because of my condition it will be difficult,” she said. “I can walk a few steps, even if it’s very slowly, so long as I have people either side to support me. Every bride wants to walk down the aisle to their man.
“I’m just so pleased we are able to get married. I thought when I had to move into a care home that was it. My life as such was over and I had nothing to look forward to. I never expected to find love again.”
Steve and Sian were initially concerned they would have to leave their supported accommodation if they wanted to live as a couple.
But with the help of management and staff at Pendine Park they now have a double bedroom and a private lounge at Bryn Bella Care Home, meaning they can continue receiving support while sharing a home together.
Sian said: “We had lots of meetings with Pendine Park managers and our social workers and we thought if we were going to get married then we would have to move back and live in the community. I knew we would never cope if we had to do that.
“In the end we have been granted a shared room and our own lounge in Bryn Bella, which is amazing. We couldn’t ask for more and couldn’t be happier.”
She added: “It just goes to show that moving into a care home isn’t the end of your life. For Steve and me it’s proved to be a whole new beginning.”
Steve said he’s excited for the big day, with residents and staff from Pendine Park, their care home in Wrexham, attending as guests.
“It’s amazing and I don’t know where the time has gone. It’s all happened quite quickly.
“My mum and sisters are coming over from Southport for the wedding, which will make it even more special for me.”
He added: “I can’t wait to see Sian in her wedding dress, which will be a really special moment.”
Sian’s care support worker and friend Paul Pellegrini said: “Every bride wants to walk to her groom and Sian is no different.
“It’s fantastic they have been able to arrange their wedding and why shouldn’t they live happily together as a married couple?
“It’s amazing.”