Terminally-Ill Nurse Weds on Hospital Ward

Emily Cross, a nurse facing a terminal illness, exchanged vows with her husband Jamie on the Ribblesdale Ward of the Royal Preston Hospital in Lancashire. She described the ceremony as “beautiful and uplifting.” Ms. Cross has been employed at the Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre in Fulwood. Reflecting on the event, she stated, “It was so special.” She added, “I was allowed a few friends, my witnesses, and I had my white pyjamas and my fluffy socks on and had a beautiful day.” The 43-year-old underwent surgery in May for the removal of a cyst. While initial biopsies indicated she was cancer-free, later tests revealed she was afflicted with a rare form of cancer, specifically secondary mucinous adenocarcinoma. “I’m still fighting and processing it all, miracles can happen, you need to focus on positive affirmations and be thankful for everything,” she commented. She continued, “I’m not ready and feel more at peace, more blessed, because you have time to appreciate everything everyone does and all your friends and support. Every day is a blessing. “I’ve been away from my children, but to make sure I’m home again with them, enjoying that time is so important to me, I can’t think of anything better, I’m very positive about it,” she also stated. Following the ceremony, the couple, residents of Preston, received a blessing in the hospital chapel. According to Mrs. Cross, Reverend Martin McDonald “blessed the rings, read a lovely poem and some words, and it was uplifting.” Her husband remarked, “It was one of the most special days of my life.” He added, “These last five years have been the best of my life since I met Emily.” Mrs. Cross further commented, “We’d love to have had all our friends and family there, but our aim is hopefully when I’m well enough to have them round, but I wouldn’t change anything from the day for the world, it was a beautiful day and lifted my spirits, and Jamie’s, completely.” Rev McDonald described his involvement in the day as “a real blessing.” He also noted, “It was an incredible team effort from the wonderful staff here at our hospital.” For more content, listeners can access the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides information regarding its policy on external linking.