Early wedding for dying teenager

The couple are due to exchange vows on Monday

A terminally-ill teenager and his fiancee have brought forward their wedding because his condition is deteriorating.

Martin Black, who has leukaemia, and Susan Smith, both 19, will marry at an family service on Monday - a month ahead of schedule.

Mr Black's mother Gillian said the groom had planned to walk unaided at the ceremony at Gateshead Civic Centre, but he will now need to use a wheelchair.

The couple have been receiving treatment to conceive a child from sperm frozen before Mr Black had intensive chemotherapy treatment.

Mrs Black said: "His legs have gone that badly, he thought he would fetch the date forward.

"I will have mixed-feelings on the day but I am really proud of him."

Family life

Mr Black, of Felling, Gateshead, was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago, shortly after he began dating Miss Smith, from Donwell, Washington.

He was in remission for 18 months but fell ill again in January.

In April this year he was told he had a maximum of three months to live.

The couple decided to try to have a child and made immediate plans to marry, in front of 200 family and friends.

Mrs Black added: "They have told her that if she is lucky she could be pregnant by the end of the month.

"Let's hope it comes true.

"Martin has always said he wanted to be a dad, to be a normal family and to have kids.

"There will probably be more than one lump in my throat tomorrow."