Royal Bournemouth Hospital becomes wedding venue for seriously ill bride

A CHRISTCHURCH couple have praised Royal Bournemouth Hospital staff for arranging their wedding at short notice after the bride, who has chronic lung disease, received some “devastating and unexpected news”.

Emma Shrewsbury (41) was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in July 2016 and in recent months her condition has deteriorated.

She and her husband, Ian, had booked their big day for 1st March 2019 but following the recent news – which the hospital says cannot be disclosed under patient confidentiality rules – a decision was made to move the date forward.

The couple (who are pictured, seated, third and fourth left), were married overlooking the hospital lake in the presence of close family and the RBH staff caring for Emma.

“To say we appreciate what the staff here have done is a vast understatement,” said Emma. “The care they have given has been faultless and they have gone above and beyond in every aspect.”

Ian said: “I spoke with the registrar on Saturday morning and the staff dealt with everything else. The little touches were really very special and made the day unforgettable for us. One of the staff even played The Wedding March – we couldn’t have asked for more.”

The newlyweds were overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of employees not only at RBH, but also from the local Tesco store, who donated a wedding cake, bottles of bubby and beautiful flowers and decorations.

Ward sister Mel Ivory said: “Emma and Ian are such lovely people and so the team and I were thrilled to be able to help them. It was a real team effort and is a wedding that I certainly won’t forget.”