When Sarah Dawson, 22, realized her mother had little time left, she organised for her wedding to her teenage sweetheart Mark Barlow, 27, to be done at her mother Rosanne’s hospital bedside.
The mother of two and fiance Mark had already brought forward the date, from next year to October 31. But when Mrs Dawson, 51, worsened they realized that would also be too late so the bride hastily arranged a blessing with flowers, food and her entire wedding outfit.
"Mum was deteriorating and it struck home exactly how little time we had left with her. It was vital to me that she should not miss out on the wedding and I knew I would move heaven and earth to make it happen."
An off-duty nurse at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Falkirk hurriedly bought flowers and arranged them in an ad-hoc collection of vases. A side room was arranged and the chaplain was asked to officiate. Sarah’s gown was not yet ready but the shop arranged everything, even lending her a veil and glamorous shoes.
Nurses even formed a ceremonial arch for the couple to pass through. Guests included the couple’s two children, Sarah’s father Bob, 53, and her brother and two sisters.
"Although she was heavily sedated, Mum understood everything. We made our vows and she looked up and smiled. A tear rolled down her cheek. It was a moment I will never forget."
Mrs Dawson died at home in Tillicoultry from pancreatic cancer days later.
Source: Daily Express
