NHS couple win their dream £35k wedding

AN NHS worker who joked he would marry his partner on their first night out is now set to tie the knot with her after winning a £35,000 wedding at cycling star Geraint Thomas’ hotel.

The couple, from Cardiff, worked on the NHS frontline throughout the pandemic and have now won their dream wedding at St Tewdrics House, near Chepstow, as a token of appreciation for all they have done.

Last year a competition was launched by St Tewdrics House to recognise and reward the efforts of people working on the frontline. The exclusive wedding venue is owned and run by husband and wife team Geraint and Sara Thomas.

A lucky couple was given the chance to win the wedding of their dreams worth more than £35,000 including the photography, videography, cake, floral arrangements and venue styling.

Matthew Howson, from Cardiff, and Evelyn Evans, originally from York, bagged the prize and are set to tie the knot next week.

Matt and Evie met in 2014 during their first week at university, and on their first night out Matt even made a joke saying that he would marry Evie one day.

After graduating in 2017 Matt and Evie decided to make a life together, and applied for the same job at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, where they were later offered positions.

The couple worked during the pandemic as physiotherapists and saw their jobs change dramatically as the NHS responded to the crisis.

Evie was redeployed to the specialist stroke rehabilitation team and Matt remained in his role, which became unrecognisable.

Matt said: “When I realised we’d won I just fell to the ground and was so excited I couldn’t speak.”

Matt works in a seven-day rehabilitation service as part of a team which facilitates hospital discharges and helps people avoid hospital admission.

Talking about his role during the pandemic, he said: “Working in the community, myself and my colleagues were often a patient’s single point of contact.

“A physio colleague of mine described us as ‘social therapists’ as our job would often involve spotting issues beyond the realms of physical therapy providing support, advice and signposting. This side of my job increased tenfold during the pandemic as many people saw their appointments cancelled and struggled with both their physical and mental health.”