Wedding bells chime at St Barnabas

A memorable day for Jean Lish (better known by her middle name Carol) and her partner of 35 years, Brian Markham. The lovely couple got married at St Barnabas Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Lincoln yesterday.

Carol is an end-of-life patient at the Hospice, and her greatest wish was to marry the love of her life. She has been cared for by St Barnabas since 29th December, receiving palliative care at the newly refurbished Inpatient Unit.

The ceremony took place in the patient’s lounge, which transformed into a lovely wedding venue with flowers and decorations. Friends and family of the couple were in attendance, along with some St Barnabas staff.

Carol went down the aisle to Etta James’ song ‘At Last’ wearing her favourite white and blue dress, with Brian dapper in a navy blue suit. After the City of Lincoln Council registrars performed the official ceremony, the couple was showered in colourful confetti and tucked into a delicious cake and buffet prepared by the cooks at the Hospice.

Ally Brown, Deputy Ward Sister at the Inpatient Unit, commented:

“I am over the moon for Carol and Brian. It’s been such an incredible experience for all of us. My fellow staff members and I are all honoured to have witnessed this magnificent moment, and I am so pleased we were able to fulfil Carol’s wish.

“We are not miracle workers, but on days like this, we know how lucky we are to be able to help our patients make their dreams come true.”

St Barnabas would like to thank The Showroom by YMCA Lincolnshire for providing the Hospice with beautiful wedding decorations and Party Planet Lincoln for balloons and wedding banners.