A COUPLE whose plans to get married were thrown into chaos after the groom was diagnosed with terminal cancer will now get their dream wedding after business owners rallied to their cause.

Simon Dixon and Mel Reid, of Highfield Terrace, Skipton, met nine years ago and had arranged to get married on October 27.

But about ten weeks ago, Mr Dixon, 50, was diagnosed with terminal oesophageal cancer. The disease spread to his liver and lymph nodes and doctors have given him only months to live.

"We got hit with a bombshell," said Miss Reid, 40.

"We've literally gone in auto-drive and no-one knows what to do or say."

Her daughter Chloe Bateman, also of Skipton, added: "It come as a complete shock.

"We had everything in place for the wedding in October, so we've had to change all our plans and bring everything forward."

The Register Office wedding has been brought forward to Friday, August 11.

And Chloe, a student nurse at Airedale Hospital, contacted the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton with a desperate plea for help.

She wrote: "I am appealing to you that due to the change of the wedding date and the urgency of needing to get married, especially because we are not sure how Simon will be in the next few months, we are now left without a venue or food.

"My poor mum and Simon have lost money on rearranging the wedding, and it breaks my heart that they will not get the wedding they deserve."

In response, hotel owner Malcolm Weaving immediately offered to step in.

"We're happy to donate our hotel as the venue," he said.

Lindsay Mueller, senior manager and wedding and events co-ordinator at the Rendezvous, has taken it upon herself to help organise the wedding for the couple.

She has contacted a list of suppliers to sort out many of the details to help make the couple's wedding day special.

She said: "We're more than happy to host it and we want to say thank you to all of the suppliers for the fantastic support. We've been overwhelmed with the response and offers to help."

Miss Burton said: "Lindsay's done absolutely everything she can to help.

"It really goes to show the kindness that people can offer. I just can't put into words how much this means to my family."

ROLL OF HONOUR

In addition to Rendezvous providing the wedding venue, the following individuals and businesses have to offered to help:

  • Photographer - Malcolm Stoney of 1979 Photography
  • Flowers - Alison Younger
  • Reception and toast drinks - Julian of Wright Wines, Skipton
  • Bride's nails - Elizabeth Ireland of Naily Normal, Skipton
  • Hair and beauty - Leanne, Channel and Gemma at Ultraviolet, Skipton
  • Make-up - CJ Beauty
  • Cake - Stephanie Segula
  • Wedding meal - Rendezvous Hotel and their suppliers
  • Supper - Digby of Craven Bakery, Skipton
  • Cars to and from the register office - Albion Pub, Skipton, Charles and Susannah Calvert and Rendezvous Hotel
  • DJ - Liam Farrow
  • Lantern and flower table centres - Keelham Farm Shop, Skipton
  • Chair covers and sashes - Sitting Pretty Chair Covers
  • Light up Love Letters - Photo Booths and Event Equipment Hire Yorkshire
  • Sweetie cart - Jolly Sweet