Chaplain Jean Hurlston stepped in to help make a dying patient's dream come true and marry his sweetheart.

She says the moment she proclaimed the loving couple ‘husband and wife’ a cheer went up from the nurses at Tameside Hospital in an emotion-filled moment ‘she will never forget’.

Everyone’s wedding day is one of the most special moments in all of our lives. But what happens if your partner is terminally ill in hospital with not long to live? How can you fulfil your dream of marrying the man or woman you love when the obstacles to making it happen seem so huge?

Thankfully, for one local couple, the staff and Chaplain Jean at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT were able to help. 

Under a new model of care called SWAN, which launches officially in March, they made all the arrangements, sorted out all the complicated documentation and conducted the service, which was followed by a wedding breakfast of steak and kidney pie and prosecco.

The happy couple were able to spend quality time with their close family. 

Sadly, but expectedly, new husband Jack (not his real name) passed away in the early hours of the next morning, leaving Sarah bitter-sweet memories but grateful that their wish to marry had been fulfilled.

Hospital staff say it was the Rev Canon Jean Hurlston, one of the Trust Chaplain, who made it happen for the couple. 

Process and complicated procedures could have delayed or prevented the ceremony going ahead but she was determined to make it happen.

She said: “Although I have conducted several marriages in church this was the first in a hospital setting under these circumstances and with a special licence.

“When I heard that they wanted to get married but that Jack didn’t have long to live I went straight up to the ward to chat with them about the next steps. 

“I was with them until midnight, filling in the paper work, helping them to understand the legal implications and planning what I hoped would be a joyful celebration of their love for each other. 

“It’s the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office that deal with these requests and they were so helpful, guiding me through the process of getting a special licence and certificate.

“Jack’s medical team advised we try for 1pm the following day and, although it was a close thing, we made it. 

“Sarah (not her real name) looked every inch the beautiful bride and Jack was so proud as he made his vows. 

“The bride’s two children were there to witness the moment and other close family joined them. 

“When I said the words ‘I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife’ a cheer went up from the nurses. It was a very special moment and one I’ll never forget.”

Project lead nurse Dawn Fletcher says the SWAN model of end of life and bereavement care is being introduced across the Trust to support and guide the care of patients and their loved ones at the end of life and after death too. 

She said: “SWAN meant a happy death in Roman times and that is what we are determined to provide for patients and their families in our care.

“The SWAN symbol will be prominently displayed by the bedside to alert all staff that the patient and their family are in an end of life situation and in need of extra compassion. 

“We will have comfort packs and memory boxes to capture all those precious moments to help children particularly remember their parent or grandparent, or parents and grandparents remember a child. 

“Jean has paved the way by showing us that we can make a difference for end of life patients, helping them fulfil their last wishes in a dignified and compassionate way.”

Trust Chief Executive Karen James OBE believes all staff have a duty of care to promote dignity, respect and compassion at the end of life, which is why the Trust are introducing the SWAN model of care. 

She said: “What Jean, Dawn and the team did for this couple was wonderful. They gave them the opportunity to fulfil their important wish to be married, if only for a short time. 

“We would ask visitors if you are visiting one of our wards or departments and see the Swan symbol displayed, please be mindful of maintaining a quiet and peaceful environment wherever possible.

“And if you have any questions about the Swan model, please speak with a member of staff.”

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