A DESIRE for her dying mother to be a part of her wedding plans prompted a bride-to-be to arrange St Michael's Hospice's first ever blessing held before a marriage.

Hilary Downey knew time was running out for her mum, Patricia 'Trish' Lloyd who had been fighting a brave battle with cancer.

Trish, who had previously worked in city department stores, Chadds and Smiths, and lived in the county for more than 40 years, was a patient at the hospice and died the day after witnessing the blessing

Although Hilary and husband-to-be Stephen could not be officially married at the hospice, Chaplain the Rev Mike Nevill was able to arrange a blessing so they could have a civil ceremony at a later date.

Eyes closed

"Mum made a huge effort to stay awake," said Hilary. "During the ceremony we noticed she had her eyes closed and we thought she had gone to sleep but after the prayers when the chaplain said 'Amen', so did she, so I knew she was awake and listening. We want to thank the hospice for the fantastic care my mother received."

The family ceremony conducted in the chapel at the hospice which 'felt so right' for Hilary gave Trish something else to focus on at a dreadful time.

Trish's son, David Lunt, and Hilary's and Stephen's two children, Matthew and Alex, also attended the ceremony as family flocked to see the couple exchange their vows.

Hilary said: "When we started trying to arrange it, she was saying 'I was thinking about the first wedding I ever went to' so she was thinking about nice things at the end."

Mr Nevill said: "I was keen to help Hilary and Stephen with the blessing as everyone was aware how poorly Trish was at that time.

"To celebrate their relationship was a special event for everyone. Trish showed considerable spirit, despite her illness, and was able to join the family at the blessing which she thoroughly enjoyed.

"Trish passed away the following day."