A Bradford couple have brought their wedding forward after a close relative was diagnosed with terminal cancer - and they are sharing their experiences on the internet.

Paul Jacques, 32, and Nicola Lockwood, 28, of Great Horton, decided to bring forward their wedding from August 4 next year to next month when they found out a close relative of Nicola's had an incurable tumour.

Mr Jacques said: "We discovered that Nicola's relative had a cancerous brain tumour last April.

"At first we did not know the seriousness of it. It wasn't until recently that it became clear to us that they may not be with us or too ill to make the wedding.

"As you can imagine we were devastated to find this out and hastily brought the wedding date forward. Nicola cannot bear to think about not having her relative present on our big day."

The new wedding date was exactly nine weeks when they heard the tragic news and their carefully laid plans for next year's celebrations have had to be rapidly condensed.

But the couple realised they could help others who find themselves in a similar situation and have started the internet weblog to chronicle their experiences - and raise money for cancer charities.

The blog, at www.h5n.co.uk/ 9weekwedding, is a humorous account of the proceedings.

It will be updated with all the arrangements and planning of the couple's big day at St James's Parish Church, Thornton, on October 21.

The couple hope to raise money for Marie Curie, Cancer Research and the Cookridge Cancer Centre by encouraging people who read the blog to give money.

Brenda Doyle, Marie Curie Cancer Care's community fundraising manager in Bradford, said: "Nicola and Paul have obviously got their hands full organising a wedding in such a short space of time so it is extremely kind of them to think of raising money for charity at the same time.

"Here in Bradford all our caring services at our Hospice and in the community are free of charge so the kindness and generosity of people like Nicola and Paul is very much appreciated."

e-mail: newsdesk@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

THE NINE-WEEK WEDDING LOG

Extracts from the blog at www.h5n.co.uk/9weekwedding.

Monday, August 21: The vicar has got back to us and the date is now set for Saturday, October 21. The church and reception bookings are now confirmed. We have drawn up a rough guest list to give us an idea of how many invites we will need and Nicola has been to look at some more wedding dresses. The hard work starts now.

Saturday, August 26: Saturday started off with a trip to Wakefield to a goth clothing shop with one of the bridesmaids in tow. I know what you're thinking - another weird goth wedding. Well it would be if it was up to me! The reason for the goth shop visit was to sort me out with fine and dandy custom-made foppish-style jacket.

Monday, August 28: Mum is sorting out the cake for us and my family are going to pay for it as a present. Nicola had a gathering with the bridesmaids (in the pub) to organise who was doing what for the hen night (NO STRIPPERS LADIES!).

Tuesday, September 5: We booked a photographer today. That's another one of the big things crossed off the list. Our only major concern now is the bridesmaid dresses, at this rate they might be naked (that'll make some interesting wedding photos). Hopefully we'll have something sorted soon.