A Merseyside woman has spoken of her heartbreak after her husband died from cancer just 24 hours after they married in a hospital ward. Alison Bidwell, from Tranmere, wed Colin Bushell, 57, at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Wirral in an eleventh-hour ceremony arranged with the help of staff.
The couple, who met in 2007, were devastated when Colin was diagnosed with terminal cancer a year into their relationship. Despite the prognosis, they were determined to enjoy their time together, describing their last Christmas as 'the best of our lives'.
The wedding took place in front of their daughters, Alison's granddaughters, Colin's best man Tony, and hospital staff. The team transformed Colin's room with white sheets, bows, and settees from the day room, and arranged a registrar, wedding cake, and buffet.
Alison said: 'Life without Colin is like a piece of the jigsaw is missing. The hospital did everything they could to make Colin's hospital room look as nice as possible. Nothing was too much trouble.' She added that the team 'made Colin's last time on earth incredible'.
Colin passed away the day after the wedding, holding Alison's hand. She urged others to cherish human love and kindness, saying: 'Exchanging gifts took a back seat, as we experienced the true meaning of Christmas.'
