Dying man weds sweetheart
IN SICKNESS and health took on an extra special meaning as a terminally ill man married his sweetheart of six decades from his hospital bed.
George Kay, 79, from Offerton, is facing his last days as he has an advanced brain tumour,
But he found the strength to tie the knot with partner Ann Millin, 78, on ward A10 in Stepping Hill, where he has spent the last few weeks being cared for.
The couple have been together 59 years after meeting during a day at the races but say they have never got round to marriage.
And they managed to do it on Thursday, which was only just in time as George’s condition left him too ill to speak the following day.
Joining them at the ceremony were the couple’s niece and nephew Alan James and Denise Fidler.
Alan, 59, said: “There were very mixed emotions, it meant the world to us all.
“That was the last day we could have done it, since then George’s communication has gone. We had to cobble it together in 24 hours and it was touch and go whether it would happen.
“But I can’t speak highly enough of the people at Stockport Registry Office and the hospital have been great.”
Staff from Stockport Registry Office came to the ward to carry out the ceremony. The hospital chaplain blessed the ceremony afterwards.
George, who has worked in a newspaper printworks and also as an accountant, and Ann raised their niece and nephew from small children. Staff from the hospital were also guests at the wedding.
Ann, 78, said: “It’s mixed feelings for me, this is a sad time but also a happy day.
“The staff have been great looking after George and wonderful helping us organise this as well, I’d like to thank them so much for what they’ve done for us.”
She added: “We met over at a race course. George recommended a race horse to me but it came second. He lost the bet but he won me instead!”