Bride dies after hospice wedding

The couple were forced to bring the wedding forward (Pic: MEN)

A bride died from cancer just 90 minutes after getting married.

Former nurse Elaine Stephenson, 48, wed her partner of 11 years Chris Johnson, 50, of Walshaw, Bury, Gtr Manchester, at Bury Hospice on Saturday.

She had beaten ovarian cancer twice in 2002 and 2004, but the disease returned last year.

The couple were due to get married in August but the wedding was brought forward after doctors warned them her condition had suddenly deteriorated.

Miss Stephenson was receiving treatment at the Christie Hospital in Withington, Manchester, but was allowed home to be admitted to Bury Hospice last Friday.

I said all the words and Elaine nodded and shook her head Chris Johnson

Mr Johnson said he had left the hospice to buy a wedding ring when he received a call asking him to return.

He said: "I did not get a chance to get her the ring she wanted.

"I got a ring from home but she will now keep it on her finger. It was very emotional but I was very pleased to marry the woman I love. It was also her wish."

He added: "We were going to have it in a day room at first with a buffet. She wanted a white gold band as a ring.

"I left the hospital to buy the ring at around 11am and the phone went when I got home. The hospice said she was deteriorating.

"People just dropped everything."

About 20 friends and family were present for the ceremony, which was carried out by Bury's superintendent registrar Graeme Ramsden.

Mr Johnson added: "Everyone was glad they were there. I said all the words and Elaine nodded and shook her head. She passed away about an hour-and-a-half later.

"Elaine was very positive up to the end and fought the disease a lot. She was a very fun-loving person, the life and soul of the party.

"That is what I will remember."