Couple Wed After 33 Years Together Thanks to Hospice Support
Karen and Stephen Glossop have been partners for 33 years.
Staff at Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield organised an "unforgettable" wedding within seven hours so that Karen Glossop, a cancer patient, could marry her long-term partner.
The couple, from Eckington in Derbyshire, had postponed their wedding plans after Karen was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and her health declined.
Following discussions with hospice staff where Karen is currently an inpatient, their wish to marry was realised in just a few hours.
Karen, 58, and Stephen, 57, exchanged vows on Thursday in the hospice's courtyard, which was transformed into a wedding venue. They were surrounded by family and friends for the ceremony.
Stephen stated that getting married had always been their intention but "life took over."
The couple have four children—Kym, Luke, Rebecca, and Samantha—and five grandchildren.
"We've been together for 33 years and this wedding has been a long time coming," Stephen said.
"But the day was beautiful and our wedding was so special. I am so grateful to Ashgate for making it happen.
"Everyone was astounding, making it all fall into place in just hours."
The hospice was able to organise the wedding within a matter of hours.
Local businesses collaborated with hospice staff and volunteers to make the day possible, providing flowers, photography, a wedding cake, and a buffet, according to the hospice.
Kelly Sydenham, who works in the hospice kitchen, prepared the wedding cake and buffet for the family to enjoy.
Stephen, a retired lorry driver, described the day as one he would "always remember."
"I was so glad that we were able to get so many people together at such short notice at Ashgate.
"Some of our family are away, but we were able to gather 22 guests at short notice and Karen loved seeing everyone together.
"It will be something I'll always remember, and I'll be forever grateful to the team at Ashgate," he added.
Kayleigh Peacock, senior staff nurse at the hospice, commented on the event:
"It was a privilege to help Karen and Stephen celebrate such an important moment together.
"Seeing everyone come together to make the day happen so quickly was incredibly special, and we're grateful to everyone who gave their time, skills and generosity to make it possible."
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