A PATIENT too ill to leave hospital to renew her wedding vows was given her special day by ward staff instead.

Doctors, nurses and staff at Southend Hospital didn’t want 71-year-old Margaret Hayes, who suffers from metastatic breast cancer, to miss out so made special arrangements for a ceremony at the hospital.

The delighted bride was able to spend the day surrounded by family and friends thanks to the generosity of the staff on the Bedwell ward.

Mr Hayes, 70, said: “We were so pleased we could renew our vows on the ward with our friends and family around us and that the service could still be held on Margaret’s birthday.

“The ward staff went above and beyond their role and several members of staff came in on their day off to decorate the area to make it as special as possible.

“We really couldn’t thank them enough.”

About 26 members of Mr and Mrs Hayes’ family and friends attended the service earlier this month and enjoyed a tiered cake to celebrate the occasion.

Hospital matron Avril Bunker said: “I am very proud of the staff on Bedwell ward - they really gave their all, and Margaret and Terry have been overwhelmed by their care, compassion and understanding at this difficult time.”

Margaret, whose treatment is now for symptom management rather than a cure, has now been discharged home to spend precious time with her family.