OFFERS have been pouring in to help a terminally ill South Tyneside dad wed his childhood sweetheart of 22 years.
Yesterday, the Gazette revealed how Steven Booth, 39, wants to marry partner Lisa Holmes, after being diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the liver, chest, lungs and lymph nodes, just three weeks ago.
Loved ones have rallied round the couple, from Simonside, South Shields, and they’ve booked the Little Haven Hotel in South Shields, for March 16.
They’d been able to source the majority of things required, but needed help in sourcing the last few items.
However, offers of help have flooded in after the Gazette article for Steven, who will be starting chemotherapy on Monday to try and control the disease.
Lisa, 37, who is mum to Steven, 17, Kieran, 16, and Mollie, three, said: “I am extremely grateful to everyone that’s been in touch and is offering to help out.
“It’s so generous.”
How we broke Steven and Lisa’s story yesterday
Sisters Melanie Lines and Dominique Bainbridge, who used to run Signature Functions in Stanhope Road, South Shields, have offered to supply the chair covers.
Their mum, Joan Bainbridge, said: “They no longer have the shop, but still run the business from their homes.
“They’re more than happy to supply the seat covers, with purple sashes, and any other table decorations which may be needed.”
Bosses at The Little Haven have agreed to upgrade the couple’s double room to the venue’s penthouse suite for their wedding night.
The Karaoke Blokies, based at the Prince Edward pub in Harton Nook, South Shields, had originally offered to provide musical entertainment for a discounted £60 – but now they want to do it for free.
Davey Preece, pub landlord, said: “Our resident DJs decided they would now do it totally for free, as it’s for such a good cause.
“We’re also going to be raising cash by selling blind cards and bonus balls.”
Viv Hope, from Simonside, is giving a cash donation, and offering to donate wedding attire.
The 71-year-old, who battled bladder cancer in the 1990s, said: “Cancer is such a cruel disease, I just felt so touched by reading the couple’s story, I wanted to do my little bit to help.”
ReVamp, a cosmetic surgery practice in Jesmond, Newcastle, rang up to offer beauty treatments for the bride-to-be and vouchers, which can be used to raise funds via a raffle.
Magician George Dunn, from Jarrow, is willing to perform close-up magic and Sunderland wedding singer Anthony Stringer, is keen to serenade the pair with music.
And Nicola Jamal, a South Tyneside mobile hairdresser, also contacted the Gazette to offer her services to the bride and her bridesmaids for the big day.
The couple still need four purple bridesmaid dresses, wedding rings and funds to reach £1,000 to cover expenditure on the day.
To help, contact the Gazette on 427 4861.
Twitter: @shieldsgazvez
Comments