South Shields couple to marry as Mr and Mrs Claus in Christmas-themed wedding after shock cancer diagnosis

A couple are planning to tie the knot dressed as Mr and Mrs Claus in a Christmas themed-wedding after getting engaged following a shock cancer diagnosis.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Margaret Tudberry, 64 and Mick Gurr, 66 of Brunswick Street, South Shields will tie the knot after 15 years together on December 21.

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 this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Doctors have said there is nothing they can do as Margaret is not currently suitable for treatment and the cancer has spread to her pancreas and liver.

Margaret Tudberry enjoying an evening with her Fiance Mick Gurr.Margaret Tudberry enjoying an evening with her Fiance Mick Gurr.
Margaret Tudberry enjoying an evening with her Fiance Mick Gurr.

“They can’t really give me a time, it could be six months, but it could be longer,” said Margaret

“I know I won’t get well but I’m not giving up hope, I’m fighting it.”

Unsure of how long Margaret has left, her family have planned a festive wedding full of surprises so the couple can finally make it official.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After saying their vows at South Shields registry office they will celebrate the reception at the Freemasons Hall in South Shields, where guests will put on their best Christmas—themed outfits and the happy couple will dress-up as Mr and Mrs Claus.

Margaret Tudberry in her South Shields home with her dogs (left to right) Millie, Echo and Pumpkin as she holds a paw print of her late dog Misty.Margaret Tudberry in her South Shields home with her dogs (left to right) Millie, Echo and Pumpkin as she holds a paw print of her late dog Misty.
Margaret Tudberry in her South Shields home with her dogs (left to right) Millie, Echo and Pumpkin as she holds a paw print of her late dog Misty.

“I always wanted to have a Christmas wedding and it has ended up that way,” continued Margaret.

“Mick came up with the idea of the Christmas theme and I have picked a red dress which is absolutely gorgeous.”

Mick had previously asked Margaret to marry him several years ago, but she said no as she wanted to spend the money on a trip to Disneyland in America.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She added: “There’s a lot of mixed emotions. I know it will be fantastic because the way the family has clubbed together, it will definitely go off with a bang.”

Margaret Tudberry in her South Shields home.Margaret Tudberry in her South Shields home.
Margaret Tudberry in her South Shields home.

Margaret’s sister, Heather Tudberry added: “There’s a lot of surprises in store that she has no idea about. It’s going to be out of this world, there will never have been a wedding reception like this before with what we have got planned.”

Most of the arrangements are now in place but the family are still looking for a photographer for the day. If you know someone who could help, contact Margaret on 07903515867.

Related topics: