This is the emotional moment a bride walked down the aisle with her dying father after organising her wedding in less than 24 hours so he could be there.
Maurice Haynes, 69, is currently being cared for at St Giles Hospice in Whittington, Staffordshire, after he was diagnosed with terminal tonsil cancer in October 2024.
His daughter Hannah Haynes, 29, was desperate for him to be present at her upcoming wedding – and knew Maurice had always wanted to walk her down the aisle.
With the help of the hospice staff, Hannah and her partner, Josh, also 29, organised their special day in less than 24 hours.
Carers transformed the hospice’s chapel into a beautiful venue – complete with bunting and candles – and Hannah managed to secure a wedding dress on the morning of the ceremony.
Just hours later, on February 18, Maurice, from Cannock, Staffordshire, walked Hannah down the aisle – in an emotional moment captured on video.
He was supported down the aisle by Hannah and another relative, before taking a seat on the front row to watch his daughter and son-in-law take their vows.
Hannah said: ‘What St Giles have done for my dad is unbelievable.
Hannah Haynes (right), 29, organised her entire wedding in less than 24 hours to make sure her father Maurice (centre) would be able to walk her down the aisle
Maurice Haynes, 69, is currently being cared for at St Giles Hospice in Whittington, Staffordshire, after he was diagnosed with terminal tonsil cancer in October 2024
‘He was unsure about coming to a hospice to start with, but now he is here, he is comfortable and likes the environment he is in.
‘Having our wedding in a hospice wasn’t the norm, however having dad there to walk me down the aisle, it didn’t matter where I was getting married, so long as he was there.’
Father and daughter appeared emotional as they entered the chapel – but they weren’t the only ones.
New husband Josh was also caught teary-eyed, and was seen dabbing at his face with a tissue as the couple said their vows.
Leon Ratcliffe, interim director of clinical services at St Giles Hospice, added: ‘It was such an honour to help create a very special moment for a Maurice, Hannah, and their family.
Father and daughter appeared emotional as they entered the chapel – but they weren’t the only ones
New husband Josh was also caught teary-eyed, and was seen dabbing at his face with a tissue as the couple said their vows
Carers transformed the hospice’s chapel into a beautiful venue – complete with bunting and candles – and Hannah managed to secure a wedding dress on the morning of the ceremony
Maurice had always wanted to walk his daughter Hannah down the aisle
‘Hannah was determined that her father would be part of her wedding day, and we were delighted to assist in making that happen.
‘We wish Hannah and Joshua a long and happy marriage and thank them for allowing us to be a part of such a memorable occasion.’
Social media users shared how much they loved the moment after a clip of the wedding was posted on the hospice’s Instagram page.
One wrote: ‘No words. You guys are nothing short of phenomenal. Congratulations to the happy couple.’
A second added: ‘Just amazing. This is exactly why this fantastic place must continue to exist.’
And a third said: ‘Such a beautiful moment ,so blessed to be there that afternoon creating the perfect memory.’