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Ward wedding for brain tumour patient

A 34-year-old patient with an inoperable brain tumour was able to fulfil his dream of getting married recently, thanks to the staff on ward 228. The team went to extraordinary lengths to quickly organise a wedding at short notice, ensuring a day to remember for the patient, his fiancé and their two-year-old daughter.

Carrie-Ann Smith, ward sister, said: “The patient’s partner visited daily with their daughter and staff built a strong rapport with them all, it really touched all our hearts. When the partner said they wanted to get married all the staff pulled together and made this happen, decorating the room, getting the groom ready and presentable for his big day, organising for the his beloved football team to send a personalised messages and providing catering. We pulled out all the stops, we couldn’t not do anything.

“The patient and his now wife have since told us it was an amazing day and we have given them memories to treasure for a lifetime, especially for their daughter. I visited Lapland recently and organised for Santa to do a personal video message for them, which their daughter loved.

“Stoke City FC sent a message in for the patient and WH Smith donated some toys. Staff even organised for a nurse who is also a photographer from the critical care team to take photos, the family said it was one of the best moments of their life.

“I could not be prouder of my team and feel they deserve the recognition for going above and beyond to make this day happen. We have been through some tough times recently like everyone in the Trust, but the way the team pull together is outstanding. They make me proud every day.”

Staff have been given the Team of the Month award in recognition of their outstanding efforts.

Tracy Bullock, chief executive, said: “What the team did is absolutely brilliant, when I read about it, it did make me weep a little, it was absolutely lovely and really outstanding. What they managed to arrange in such a short space of time was beautiful.”

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