A CANCER patient was able to go ahead with her dream wedding despite being in hospital for treatment.

Joann Howells thought she was going to have to cancel her big day with partner Neil Ward when she was admitted to Worthing Hospital.

However when staff heard about her predicament, they made sure the ceremony went ahead.

After an emergency licence was granted, Ms Howells, 46, of East Preston, near Littlehampton, and Mr Ward, 45, were married at a special ceremony in the hospital’s chapel last Friday.

This was followed by a reception in the day room off Brooklands Ward.

Earlier that week Ms Howells, who has lung cancer, told a nurse how unhappy she was to cancel the wedding.

Assistant chaplain Linda Rowlinson called on local firms to help. They gave flowers, decorations and food and drink.

The hospital estates team transformed the chapel and day room.

Chefs at the hospital’s Shoreline Restaurant baked a wedding cake and supplied reception food.

Guests received bouquets or buttonhole flowers and the bride had her nails done by a beautician.

Mr Ward said: “You don’t realise how kind people are until something like this happens. It is really, really amazing.”

Ms Howells, now Mrs Ward, said: “A massive thankyou to everybody who contributed to make our day so special.”

The bride’s 23-year-old daughter Jessica Kelleway added: “They could not have put a bigger smile on her face.”