Remembrance Sunday was a poignant day for Karl and Sarah Marsh, as Stafford’s Katharine House Hospice created their dream wedding in just 48 hours.
When patient Karl’s health declined suddenly, the hospice’s nurses helped organise a beautiful ceremony on Sunday, 9 November, turning the couple’s hopes into reality in two days.
Originally due to marry at Stafford Registry Office on 22 November, Karl – who was diagnosed with cancer in May 2024 – was admitted to the hospice in October for treatment. When his condition worsened and he was re-admitted on 8 November, he asked if it might still be possible to marry Sarah.
Katharine House Hospice’s inpatient team immediately set to work. Volunteer Chaplain Revd. David Clark contacted the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Faculty Office to secure a special licence with just two days’ notice.
“It was a joy to officiate at Sarah and Karl’s wedding and a privilege to be invited into their lives at such a time,” said Revd. Clark.
“They taught me a great deal about love, resilience and tenderness. The hospice team worked wonders, transforming their Therapy & Wellbeing Centre into a beautiful wedding venue.”
Inpatient Lead Nurse, Georgia Simmons, coordinated community support with local businesses. Head Over Heels Venue Dressing provided decorations free of charge, and Sainsbury’s Stafford donated food and a wedding cake.
Around 30 family and friends gathered in the hospice’s Therapy & Wellbeing Centre, which was transformed with flowers, petals and a white-carpet aisle.
“It felt amazing to make this happen for Karl and Sarah,” said Georgia. “We rose to the challenge and made their day as special as we possibly could. Their love is truly inspiring.”
Karl and Sarah first met in 2010 and rekindled their friendship at Christmas 2022. Following Karl’s cancer diagnosis, they spoke about finally marrying.
“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 Katharine House Hospice, where the team helped manage his symptoms so he could continue radiotherapy.
“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 charity’s doctors 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 help from the hospice, Karl realised his early fears were unfounded. The couple expressed how much comfort they found at Katharine House Hospice.
“When Karl is here, he feels safe and relaxed,” said Sarah. “The team are incredible – nothing is ever too much. What they did for us was beyond words. It truly was the best day we could have wished for.
“I need everyone to know what a truly amazing place Katharine House Hospice is – the support is out of this world!”
Katharine House Hospice’s 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 fundraising and donations fund the majority of our care.”
To find out more about their care, or make a donation, visit www.khhospice.org.uk
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Photos:
Family group shows (left to right) Linda Marsh – Karl’s mum, Sandra Green –- Karl’s auntie, Isobelle Marsh – Karl’s youngest daughter, Ellie Marsh –- Karl’s eldest daughter, Jimmy Wooldridge – Sarah’s youngest son, Peter Marsh – Karl’s dad, Sarah Marsh (bride), Revd. David Clark, Karl Marsh, Tom Wooldridge – Sarah’s eldest son, Graham Coffey – Karl’s best man, Mandy Jones – Sarah’s mum, Ken Jones – Sarah’s dad and Malcolm Green – Karl’s uncle.
Small wedding group shows (left to right) – Isobelle Marsh, Ellie Marsh (Karl’s daughters), Sarah Marsh (bride), Karl Marsh (groom), Tom Wooldridge and Jimmy Wooldridge (Sarah’s sons).
About Katharine House Hospice
Since 1989, Katharine House Hospice has provided free care and support for adults and their families living with incurable illnesses throughout Stafford and the surrounding areas. As a charity, it relies upon the kindness of the local community to help generate over 75% of the funds needed to run its range of vital services.
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