Our hospice was the setting for a beautiful wedding earlier this week - Mark and Joyce finally tied the knot after 17 years together.
It was such lovely news that Mark and Joyce, from Leicester, touched the hearts of everyone – so much so that it was covered by BBC East Midlands online and ITV Central East Midlands too.
It’s been quite overwhelming for Joyce, who has been Mark’s carer this year as his health started to worsen.
In May of this year Mark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Following several serious infections Mark started to go downhill and spent several months in and out of hospital. Following a fall at home, he went back to hospital but took a turn for the worse and became so unwell he came to LOROS.
Joyce adds: “The doctors thought he would die – that’s why he came to LOROS. He wasn’t eating and was barely drinking. But at the hospice, he started to improve. I can’t tell you the difference, he’s talking and he’s himself again. In two weeks at LOROS Mark was able to sit up and eat a roast dinner.
“I decided to seize my chance, and talked to the social work team about getting married. They said ‘well, would you like to get married here?’ I said ‘Yes please!’ and immediately went back to Mark’s room on the ward, got down on one knee and proposed. He said ‘About bloody time!’
“That was a few days ago and since then it’s been an absolute whirlwind. Everyone has been so lovely and supportive. The nurses are amazing. They kept coming into Mark’s room singing ‘Here Comes the Bride!’
“The social work team talked to the registrar as well as arranging a cake and people to come in and do my hair and makeup. They managed to get a small grant to cover the cost of catering for a few family and friends. Tracey, one of the nurses, brought flowers and everyone decorated Mark’s room.
“It’s truly overwhelming how kind everyone has been.”
“Mark’s favourite song is ‘Always Look at the Bright Side of Life’ – he even has it on a t shirt! So we played that at the wedding too. It was wonderful.”
It is hoped Mark will be able to go home in a few days with his new bride.
