READ THE ROMANTIC WEDDING FOR A MAN WITH JUST DAYS TO LIVE AS KIND STRANGERS ORGANIZED IT WITHIN 24 HOURS

A couple who had to abandon their dream wedding plans to marry abroad after the groom was diagnosed with terminal cancer have tied the knot at a last minute ceremony - thanks to the kind donations of strangers.

Ray Kershaw, 63, and Tracy Brooks, 45, had hoped to wed in Tenerife next year but were forced to change their plans when Ray was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March.


Ray and Tracy had hoped to get married in Tenerife next year

Ray, who has cancer of the duodenum, has just days left to live and is currently being cared for at Springhill Hospice in Rochdale.

But thanks to the generosity of strangers and the charity Gift of a Wedding, the couple, who both live in Shawclough, Rochdale, tied the knot on Saturday in a wedding that was arranged in less than 24 hours.


They had to change their plans when Ray was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March

Wedding organisers put out a call for donations for a ceremony originally scheduled to go ahead on June 2.

But as Ray’s condition started to deteriorate, the wedding was brought forward to Saturday, giving the families and Gift of a Wedding less than 24 hours to organise their big day.


The new ceremony was due to take place in June - but Ray's condition has rapidly deteriorated

Within hours of publishing the appeal, strangers and businesses had offered to pay for wedding cars, flowers, venue dressing, a cake and everything else required for the event.

Ray and Tracy tied the knot at a moving ceremony attended by close relatives, friends and nursing staff at the hospice on Saturday afternoon.



Tracy’s niece and bridesmaid, Melissa King, said the couple had been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.

Melissa said: “All Ray and Tracy knew the cancer was terminal so all they wanted was to get married.

“What Gift of a Wedding did was incredible. They were up all hours the night before the wedding to make sure it happened.

“I know Tracy and Ray can’t thank everyone enough for making it happen. We can’t believe how much people donated at such short notice.”

Gift of a Wedding, posting on Facebook, said: “Rochdale you’re just the best! Thank you so much for pulling together to help us with this urgent wedding today.”