We deliver dream wedding in two days

13 November 2025 | View all news

Remembrance Sunday was a poignant day for Karl Marsh and his fiancée, Sarah Wooley. Together, we made their dream wedding come true in just 48 hours.

When Karl’s health declined suddenly, our nurses quickly organised a beautiful ceremony on Sunday, 9 November. In just two days, we turned the couple’s hopes into reality.

Originally due to marry at Stafford Registry Office on 22 November, Karl – diagnosed with cancer in May 2024 – came to us in October for treatment. When his condition worsened and he returned on 8 November, he asked if it might still be possible to marry Sarah.

And that’s when we knew we had to make it happen.

Working together

As soon as Karl mentioned his wish, our inpatient team set to work. Our volunteer chaplain, Revd David Clark, contacted the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Faculty Office and secured a special licence in just 48 hours.

Inpatient Lead Nurse, Georgia, coordinated support from the local community — including Head Over Heels Venue Dressing, who kindly provided decorations free of charge, and Sainsbury’s Stafford, who donated food and a wedding cake. Our catering staff, Gary and Maxine, also came in specially to ensure the wedding breakfast was top-notch.

Together, we transformed our Therapy & Wellbeing Centre into a beautiful wedding venue filled with flowers, petals and a white-carpet aisle.

A day to remember

On Sunday, 9 November, surrounded by around 30 family and friends, Revd David Clark led Karl and Sarah’s intimate ceremony as they exchanged vows

“It was a joy to officiate their wedding and a privilege to be invited into their lives at such a time,” said David. “They taught me a great deal about love, resilience and tenderness.”

Georgia reflected on the day:

“It felt amazing to make this happen for Karl and Sarah. We rose to the challenge and made their day as special as we possibly could. Their love is truly inspiring.”

True care

Karl and Sarah first met in 2010 and rekindled their friendship at Christmas 2022. Following Karl’s diagnosis, they spoke often about marriage.

“We should have done it years ago,” said Sarah. “One evening we just looked at each other and said, ‘Shall we get married?’ — and that was that!”

In October, Karl’s care was transferred to us and our care staff helped manage his symptoms so he could continue radiotherapy.

Sarah explained, “We then planned for his return home, but after five days he developed a chest infection and had to go back into hospital.

“When he came home again, I felt his symptoms had worsened, so I liaised with the hospice and planned his re-admission on Saturday, 8 November. However, we had our wedding planned for 22 November, and we decided we wanted to bring this forward.”

Initially reluctant to accept our help due to what Sarah called ‘old school values that you only go to a hospice for one reason’, Karl realised his early fears were unfounded.

The couple shared how much comfort they found with us.

“Karl says he feels safe here, and he relaxes… which makes me feel safe. I have all the love and support from the care team. Nothing is too much trouble.

 “I need everyone to know what a truly amazing place this is… the support is out of this world!”

Thank you

Our Head of Fundraising, Hannah Fahy, said:

“Moments like this are a beautiful reminder of what makes our hospice so special. These moments are only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, whose donations and fundraising make the majority of our care possible.”

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for helping make such a special day possible, and to Mr and Mrs Marsh and their families for allowing us to share this moving story and beautiful photos.