WEDDING bells were heard at Oswestry hospital for a cancer patient and his partner who have vowed to make every day count.

Phil Bryers and Shirley Bryers, nee Astbury, have been together for almost two decades, and decided to marry last week after facing the sad news that Phil's illness means that their time together may be running short.

Phil, 66, is an inpatient at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, where staff "pulled out all stops" to create a special day for the couple.

Border Counties Advertizer: Pictured from left to right, back to front, is: Shirley’s grandson Marcus, who was a witness; Hospital Chaplain Simon Airey; Reverend Canon Nia Morris from All Saints Church in Newton, Shirley’s daughter Maddie, who was a witness; Phil BryersPictured from left to right, back to front, is: Shirley’s grandson Marcus, who was a witness; Hospital Chaplain Simon Airey; Reverend Canon Nia Morris from All Saints Church in Newton, Shirley’s daughter Maddie, who was a witness; Phil Bryers

Phil said: "We can’t thank all the staff enough for making this happen for us both.

"Being able to get married was important to both of us and it was a superb day."

Phil, from Newtown, was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2004, and unfortunately in 2016 he received the devastating news that the cancer had spread to his bones.

He was then admitted to hospital where he was then placed on a palliative care pathway, which postponed the couple's plans for a wedding later this month.

Border Counties Advertizer: Pictured is patient Phil Bryers on the morning of his wedding with Pip Page-Davies, Macmillan Specialist Nurse (far left), and members of staff on Oswald Ward, the inpatient cancer ward at RJAH.Pictured is patient Phil Bryers on the morning of his wedding with Pip Page-Davies, Macmillan Specialist Nurse (far left), and members of staff on Oswald Ward, the inpatient cancer ward at RJAH.

The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Canon Nia Morris from All Saints Church in Newtown, with support from Rev Simon Airey, Hospital Chaplain, in a special ceremony that took place in the Multifaith Chapel of the RJAH.

The short-notice nature of the wedding also meant that an emergency marriage licence was also required from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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Shirley's family was closely involved in the event, with her grandson Callan the best man, her grandson Josh walking her down the aisle and giving her away, and her daughter Maddie giving a reading at the ceremony.

The wedding was also live-streamed to America so Shirley’s daughter could be a part of the special day.

Pip Page-Davies, Macmillan Specialist Nurse, helped organise the ceremony and reception for the couple.

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She said: “It was a privilege to have been able to help such a special couple get married.

"It wasn’t only a significant day for Phil and Shirley, but also the hospital.

"Everyone did everything they could to make the day special, the Catering Team provided a buffet for the reception, which took place on Montgomery Unit, the bone and soft tissue outpatient unit, as well as the League of Friends and Hobo Florist donating flowers.

"Thank you to everyone who supported including the staff on Oswald Ward, our inpatient cancer ward, Porters, Catering Team and League of Friends." added Pip.

Hospital chief executive Stacey Keegan said: "As a hospital, we pride ourselves on providing true holistic care to our patients. When Phil and Shirley explained how important it was for them to get married, we knew we had to go above and beyond to make it happen.

"On behalf of RJAH, I would like to offer our congratulations to the newlyweds."