Couple marry in hospice funded by strangers after groom diagnosed with terminal cancer

Ray Kershaw was told he had days to live, and the ceremony was organised within 24 hours

Couple scrapped plans to wed in Tenerife after Mr Kershaw fell ill (Manchester Evening News)

A couple married in a last-minute ceremony in a hospice thanks to the generous donations of strangers after the groom was told he had just days to live.

Tracy Brooks and Ray Kershaw had planned to marry in Tenerife but changed their plans when Mr Kershaw was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in March.

Mr Kershaw, 63, wed his wife at Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, Lancashire, where he is being cared for and has days left to live.

The ceremony was funded thanks to strangers’ donations via charity Gift of a Wedding, which allowed the couple to buy a wedding car, flowers, a cake, dressing for the venue and other necessities.

It was planned for 2 June, but as Mr Kershaw’s condition deteriorated they decided to bring it forward, leaving them just 24 hours to organise the ceremony.

Gift of a Wedding made an emergency appeal on social media for people to help out with services such as providing flowers, doing hair and make-up and baking cupcakes.

Chief bridesmaid Karen Haycox wrote on Facebook: "Thank you so much to 'Gift of a wedding“, Rochdale Hospice and all the donators [sic] and helpers who made the day so special at such short notice for Tracy and Ray.

"It was absolutely amazing and so heart-warming knowing that there is so much generosity, kindness and love in the world."

Couple exchange rings with help from a friend (Manchester Evening News)

She added it was Mr Kershaw’s "dream to see Tracy in the beautiful dress".

Close friends and relatives, as well as a photographer, minister and hospice staff, gathered on Saturday to see the couple say their vows.

They exchanged rings as Mr Kershaw lay in bed, holding his wife’s hand.

Gift of a Wedding wrote on Facebook, "We truly cannot thank each and every one of you enough who shared and commented on our post and most of all to the amazing suppliers who have come together at such short notice - you're all brilliant.

"Once again a huge thank you to all the suppliers who are donating their time goods and services to make sure our couple have a fantastic day."