Couple who wed as Mr and Mrs Claus after cancer diagnosis raise over £1000 for Macmillan on their big day

Margaret Tudberry, 64 and Mick Gurr, 66, of Brunswick Street, South Shields, who have been together 15 years, finally said ‘I do’ in a Christmas-themed wedding on December 21, 2019.

Mick got down on one knee after Margaret was suddenly diagnosed with a rare form of cancer of the bile duct at the end of August last year.

Sadly her cancer is terminal, but the grandmother is undergoing chemotherapy to give her as much time with her family as possible.

After saying their vows at South Shields registry office, Margaret and Mick celebrated at the Freemasons Hall in fancy dress, and her sister surprised her with a vintage Rolls Royce to take her to the venue.

“It was a day to remember, everyone dressed up, it was fantastic,” said Margaret, who always wanted to have a Christmas wedding.

The couple used the opportunity to raise £1,080 for Macmillan - a charity which has supported Margaret since her diagnosis - asking for donations in place of wedding gifts.

She continued: “Macmillan has helped me a lot, they are always there when I need them.

“The charity was over the moon with the amount. There are no words to describe how fantastic it feels to be raising money to help those affected by this illness.

“Thank you to everyone who donated, it is most appreciated.”

Margaret and her family are now planning to use the time she has left to keep fundraising for the charity, with her daughter to take on the Great North Run later this year.

“All they can do is try to give me as long as possible,” said Margaret.

“I’m going to try my best to keep fundraising when I’m well enough. It’s giving me something to focus on.”

Macmillan fundraising manager for South Tyneside and Sunderland, Jane Curry thanks the couple and added: “Anything raised locally stays in South Tyneside, so without the support of people like them, we couldn’t continue to fund our services.”