Hospital staff pull out the stops to make terminal patient’s wedding dream come true

Hospital staff have pulled out all the stops to make a dying patient’s wedding dream come true.

Maggie Heginbothom, 68, is receiving palliative care at Ysbyty Gwynedd. Staff there rallied round to organise a magical wedding ceremony for her and her partner Mark in just two days.

Maggie was recently admitted to hospital after becoming unwell while riding one of her horses.

Following a series of investigations and scans, she received the devastating news she had advanced liver cancer.

When Mark proposed at Maggie’s bedside on 6 November, hospital staff wasted no time putting plans in place for the wedding, which took place on Tegid Ward on 9 November.

They arranged flowers, decorations, food, cakes and entertainment, with many giving up their own time to help.

Harpist Dylan Rowlands kindly volunteered to perform at the ceremony as a wedding gift, while Allisha from Dolluxe Hair Salon style Maggie's hair free of charge.

Aled Wyn Davies and the Hawkstone Choir sent a special wedding video, while Hospital Chaplain Wynne Roberts surprised everyone by performing songs on his guitar.

There was even an extra-special surprise for horse lover Maggie, who has spent many years riding and competing with horses at Pen Llŷn Stud and Riding School, when her beloved horses Ozzy and Quiosque were brought to Ysbyty Gwynedd to visit her.

Tegid Ward Manager Rachel Parry said: "Once we knew the registrar was available, it was all systems go! We only had the weekend to organise everything, but everyone immediately got involved and wanted to do their bit.

"On the morning of the wedding, we transformed Maggie's room with white sheets and fairy lights to create a beautiful space for the ceremony, while the relatives' room became a reception area.

"Everything ran like clockwork, and some of our colleagues even came in on their days off to help make it happen.

"It was such a special and emotional occasion. There wasn't a dry eye in the room, and it was particularly lovely that some of the other patients Maggie has got to know during her time on the ward were able to join the celebrations.

"We were also incredibly touched by the generosity of people who offered their talents and services to make the day even more memorable.”

Maggie, a former Clinical Scientist with Public Health Wales, said: “I cannot put into words how incredibly grateful I am to everyone who made this happen. It was so beautiful and I honestly never thought it was going to be possible, especially seeing both my horses there as well.

"The staff here are absolutely amazing. They work so incredibly hard and have surrounded me with so much love and kindness. They really are like family to me.

"From the beautiful decorations to all the little touches that made our wedding so special, I cannot thank them enough.

"I also want to say a very special thank you to hospital chaplain Wynne Roberts, who helped organise everything and made sure our wedding could take place. I am ever so grateful to him for everything he has done for Mark and me.