Victim struck by virus marries his sweetheart on hospital ward
A MAN admitted to York Hospital with coronavirus has married his sweetheart.
Debbie and James Cavanagh tied the knot after he was admitted to the Covid ward when he became poorly with the virus.
The ceremony was witnessed by nurses and doctors in full personal protective equipment, who gave up their free time to be part of the wedding.
Staff on the ward made confetti from the paper inside hole punches and a florist donated flowers for the ceremony.
Mrs Cavanagh celebrated with a cup of tea when she got home and now faces 14 days in self isolation while her new husband remains in hospital.
The couple had been due to marry on November 14 but Mr Cavanagh has underlying health problems and when he became unwell with coronavirus they decided they could not wait.
Mrs Cavanagh said: “James was admitted to hospital on Saturday with breathing difficulties. He was automatically given a Covid test, which came back positive. The consultant told me he was really, really poorly.
“He was at work on Friday and was fine but he got ill very quickly and on Saturday morning he couldn’t breathe. It’s been pretty horrendous really. We didn’t expect him to contract Covid. He’s got a mountain to climb.
“We have been together for 12 years and it was his wish for us to get married.”
The couple have six children between them, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild – but no one was able to attend the wedding in hospital.
Mrs Cavanagh paid tribute to hospital staff, saying: “I want to thank them for the most perfect day. If it offers one person a glimmer of hope that if they are in the same position, it’s worth it.
“I don’t know if I will see James again. If the worst happens, I may not be able to be with him – and that’s the same position for everyone with someone they love in hospital at the moment.”
A spokesperson for the hospital said: “This is a wonderful example of our compassionate and caring staff going the extra mile to support a patient. Only in exceptional circumstances do we facilitate a wedding in a hospital.”