A HOSPICE hosted a wedding with bikers on Harley-Davidsons and a canine best man.

Alison Andrews, who is being cared for by the Martlets in Hove, married her long-term partner Steven there on September 21.

Alison, 57, and Steven, 60, were surrounded by family and friends for the ceremony, among them members of biker clubs.

There was an unusual best man and ring bearer – the couple’s dog Gizmo.

Their children Danny, Jack and Vicky were also among those gathered in the hospice garden.

Hospice nurse Nikki Jones helped Alison get ready and applied her wedding make-up.

She said: “In my spare time I’m a make-up artist and I was delighted to be able to work with Alison to match her make-up to her beautiful dress.

“We had lots of fun planning and practising. She looked amazing and all the team here were thrilled that she was able have her special day.”

Reverend Nicholas Roddis, the chaplain at the hospice, led the ceremony.

He said: “It’s not uncommon for us to host wedding celebrations at the hospice. People are sometimes surprised, they think about it as such a dark time but those in the hospice are still very much a part of life. They still have a place in this world that is meaningful.

“We were expecting a few guests, maybe 30 or 40. But hundreds of people wanted to attend. They clearly love the couple and want the best for them.

“Many friends were bikers who pulled up on Harley-Davidsons. Their dog was the best man, and the rings were tied to Gizmo in a little bag.”

“That part was unusual. So was the music – I think it was Meat Loaf playing – but then every single wedding is different.

“The ceremony was followed by champagne, and then everyone went to a pub in Portslade that could hold all the people waiting to see the happy couple.”

Alison’s daughter Vicky said: “The whole day was wonderful and it meant a lot to us to have all our family and friends together to celebrate Mum and Dad getting married and to be surrounded by so much love.

“Everyone at Martlets has shown Mum and our whole family so much kindness and care.

“We are very grateful to them for helping us to have such a happy and memorable wedding day in the beautiful hospice garden.”