A story of compassion, collaboration, and person-centred care was shared by Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Specialist Palliative and Acute Occupational Therapy teams at the Macmillan Professional Conference in Birmingham recently.

In April 2025 Martin Loach 69, from near Aberystwyth, was admitted to hospital following a sudden illness and was later diagnosed with advanced cancer.

During a prolonged hospital stay, which resulted in paraplegia and a poor prognosis, he expressed two deeply personal goals - to marry his partner Nicola and to return home for end-of-life care.

Nicola and Martin at their wedding in Aberystwyth.
Nicola and Martin at their wedding in Aberystwyth. (Hywel Dda Health Board)

Recognising the importance of these wishes, the Acute and Specialist Palliative Occupational Therapy teams at Bronglais Hospital worked closely with a wide range of hospital and community services to make this possible demonstrating every day the values they stand for and the importance staff place on delivering compassionate, high-quality patient care.

Through detailed planning, coordination, and creative problem-solving, the team supported the patient to be discharged on his 70th birthday the very same day as his wedding on 8 July 2025.

Clinical Lead Palliative Occupational Therapist Georgina Middleton said: “The support required was extensive, involving professionals across multiple disciplines, including ward staff, community teams, and the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Wish Ambulance initiative.

“Contributions from local and national businesses also played a key role in making the day possible,” said Georgina.

The couple married at the registry office in Canolfan Rheidol, Aberystwyth, followed by a wedding breakfast at Yr Hen Orsaf in Aberystwyth.

“Upon hearing their story, staff at Yr Hen Orsaf adapted their usual booking arrangements to provide a dedicated space for the celebration,” said Georgina. “The day was made even better by thoughtful gestures from those involved including a cake made by a palliative care nurse, decorations provided by the Ceredigion Palliative Care Team, Card Factory, and celebration hampers donated by a local Tesco store.”

Following the ceremony, the couple requested a drive along the promenade to see the sea -something deeply meaningful to them - which created a peaceful and lasting memory on an important day in their lives.

“Beyond the emotional significance of the event, the team navigated complex discharge arrangements, equipment provision, and care planning to ensure the patient could safely leave hospital and fully participate,” said Georgina

Sadly, Martin died earlier this year in January 2026.

Nicola, Martin’s wife said: “I was delighted to hear that Georgina and Tom shared our story at the national Macmillan Professionals Conference. Martin was well enough to be able to help out with the creation of the poster and I know that meant a lot to both of us.

“Although Martin has now passed away – they helped us make some beautiful memories. I hope our story will inspire others to live their lives to the full for as long as they are able.

“My family and I would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts, everybody who made our day so special.”

This story was recently presented at the 2026 - Macmillan Professionals Conference in Birmingham under the title ‘More Than Just a Wedding’, by Georgina Middleton and her colleague Tom Kendall.

“It highlighted the value of collaborative occupational therapy across acute and palliative care settings,” said Tom.