A TERMINALLY-ill man is looking forward to saying ‘I do’ as his last-minute wedding plans come together.
Steven Booth decided to marry his partner of 22 years, Lisa Holmes, after being diagnosed with cancer of the liver, chest, lungs and lymph nodes, last month.
In a bid to make the 39-year-old’s dream come true, family, friends and Gazette readers, have rallied round - with many donating their services for free and giving cash.
Yesterday Miss Holmes, who will marry Steven at The Little Haven Hotel in South Shields, on Saturday, collected £300 from The Clock pub in Hebburn, where customers have been donating their spare change.
Regular Bob Cleugh, 71, from Clegwell said: “I knew about Lisa and Steven’s plight through a family connection, but once others saw their story, we thought we’d try and help.
“Originally we wanted to raise cash for their wedding rings, which I understand they now have, but they can use the money to offset the cost of other things.
“We just wanted to do our bit, so we started collecting about a week ago, and the pub’s been rather busy, especially over the weekend with the sport, so we managed to get a fair bit.”
How we originally reported Steven and Lisa’s story
Mr Booth, who is dad to Steven, 17, Kieran, 16, and Mollie, three, was due to start chemotherapy last week to try to control the disease.
However, doctors were unable to carry out the procedure due to a problem with his liver.
Miss Holmes, from Simonside, South Shields, said: “They’ve said that the chemotherapy won’t be possible now.
“Steve is back at home, but he’s having difficulties with his breathing, so he’s now on oxygen.
“However, they’ve gave him a little bottle to use on Saturday, so he’ll be able to carry that up the aisle.
“Nothing seems to go his way.”
However, despite the setbacks, the couple are looking forward to their big day, which will be attended by 100 guests.
Miss Holmes said: “We’re just so grateful to everyone who has helped us, it’s so kind.”
Twitter: @shieldsgazvez
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