WEDDING WISH COMES TRUE
HOSPICE HELPED DYING WOMAN TO MARRY HER SWEETHEART
FOR Maria Sharper Friday was a very special day. Maria, who has bowel cancer, was able to realise her dream of marrying her sweetheart – thanks to the staff at St Peter’s Hospice.
Maria is being cared for at the hospice’s inpatient unit after being diagnosed with bowel cancer just four months ago.
On Friday – with just 24 hours notice – she said ‘I do’ and married long-term partner Patrick.
Maria, and the hospice staff, had just hours to prepare for her big day, helping with everything from making the wedding cake, providing her wedding bouquet to assisting with her hair and make up
“It was a magical day,” said Maria, who is from Patchway. “It was the best day ever and all made possible by the amazing staff at the hospice.”
Maria, 49, met Patrick, 56, on an online chat site 12 years ago. After chatting for a while they met up – and have been inseparable ever since.
About four months ago Maria, a former carer, started suffering bad pains in her stomach and went to her GP. Initially she was given painkillers until one day she passed blood when going to the toilet.
She was admitted to hospital where she underwent various tests and scans, only to be given the devastating news that she had bowel cancer.
After weeks in hospital, Maria was referred to St Peter’s Hospice where she was admitted to the inpatient unit. She has been staying at the unit for the last few weeks.
“Patrick and I have been engaged for about 10 years and always planned to get married,” she said.
“But things just kept getting in the way and we never got round to it.
“When I came to the hospice I said to Patrick there was one thing I wanted to do before I die. “And that was to get married.” Patrick set about working with the staff at the hospice to realise his bride’s dream.
“He came in a few days later and asked me if I was OK,” she said.
“I replied ‘yes’ and he said ‘good job – we’re getting married tomorrow’.
“I had less than 24 hours notice.” Hospice staff decorated a family room on the unit and a wedding ‘cheesecake’ – Maria’s favourite type of cake – was made and her wedding bouquet and decorative floral arrangements were crafted from flowers from the hospice garden.
Maria and Patrick, her full-time carer, said their vows in front of the couple’s three children – Rian, AbbyGayle and Judy before enjoying a slice of their wedding cheesecake and a glass of champagne.
“What the hospice staff did to make this day happen meant the world to me,” said Maria.
“I already knew they were all amazing, nothing is too much trouble.
“But they all worked so hard and pulled out all the stops to make sure I could have my special day.
“They helped me fulfil my dream of having my wedding day.”
The hospice staff even went to the trouble of printing pictures of Maria and Patrick from Maria’s phone to put on display for the ceremony.
Maria said what the hospice did for her highlights just how important the work of the charity is.
“We know the hospice is facing such an uncertain time with the impact coronavirus has had on its funding,” she said.
“But what they did for me and my family was just incredible. It is something that none of us will ever forget.”
The hospice has launched its When It Matters Most campaign to help recoup the money it has lost due to the pandemic.
And Maria is urging people to get behind the drive and support the appeal.
“The hospice allowed me and Patrick to have our wedding day. And it was so very special. They made it special.
“The hospice is always there for the people of Bristol – like me - when they need it most.
“And it’s vital it remains here for others who may be in my position in the future,” she said.
You can make a donation at www. stpetershospice.org – or pop into any of the hospice charity shops