The Valentine's Day dream of coma victim Philip Liddiard come true as he married his sweetheart.

Guests burst into applause as Philip, 46, married Susan Hancock, 36, at Haywards Heath register office yesterday afternoon.

A year ago, Philip was struck down by meningitis and was unconscious until Susan whispered that she wanted to marry him on Valentine's Day. The message helped him recover and the couple's dream came true when they were married in front of family and friends.

Philip wore a red rose in his red velvet suit for the Valentines Day ceremony and guests wore roses in their lapels. The television installation engineer said after signing the register: "You are in a trance-like state in a coma and you see and hear people drifting across your mind. I wasn't sure when I came round if I was dreaming. But the dream has come true for me."

Deputy registrar Lilian Cheeseman, who was assisted by Sue Tuckwell, said: "The bride and groom kissed one another for what I think is the longest kiss I have seen this year. It was a very romantic ceremony."

Susan, who lives with Philip at Challoners, Horsted Keynes, said: "It was all even better than I hoped for. I am still in cloud cuckoo land."

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