A terminally ill bride has married her partner of 33 years in her hospice bed after years of putting off tying the knot. Heartbreaking pictures show newlywed couple Karen and Stephen Glossop beaming with happiness moments after saying their vows during an emotional service at Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Couple Finally Say 'I Do' After 33 Years Together
The couple, joined by their four children and five grandchildren, finally said 'I do' on 2 July. The pair say they always planned to get married but "life took over." Earlier this year, 58-year-old Karen was diagnosed with cancer and moved into hospice care. Her partner Stephen, a retired lorry driver, said: "We never found the time to get married. The kids came along and then life took over, but it was always our plan."
Local Businesses and Hospice Staff Make the Day Possible
Local businesses stepped in to support staff and other volunteers to make the day possible, complete with flowers, photography, a wedding cake and a buffet. "Everyone was astounding," Stephen continued. "It all fell into place in just hours. I was so glad that we were able to get so many people together at such short notice at Ashgate."
"Some of our family are away," he added. "But we were able to gather 22 guests at short notice and Karen loved seeing everyone together. It will be something I'll always remember, and I'll be forever grateful to the team at Ashgate."
Hospice Staff Describe the Wedding as a Privilege
Senior staff nurse at the hospice, Kayleigh Peacock, said: "It was a privilege to help Karen and Stephen celebrate such an important moment together. Seeing everyone come together to make the day happen so quickly was incredibly special. We're grateful to everyone who gave their time, skills and generosity to make it possible."
