‘We thought we’d be spending our anniversary in a log cabin – instead it was in a hospice’
Charlene and Jordan, who married on 24 July 2025, received a terminal cancer diagnosis within days of their wedding. Charlene's cervical cancer had returned for a third time following previous treatments, leaving her with an estimated three to nine months remaining. One year on, they celebrated their first anniversary at Ashgate Hospice's inpatient unit, where Jordan has remained by her side throughout her stay for pain management.
When hospice staff learned of the approaching anniversary, they organised a surprise celebration in place of the log cabin getaway the couple had originally planned. The conservatory was decorated with flowers, candles and balloons, whilst the head chef prepared a meal featuring Charlene's favourite foods including spaghetti bolognese and hot chocolate fondant. Their wedding song from Dirty Dancing played as they entered, creating an intimate evening the couple described as unforgettable. Charlene has already survived longer than her initial prognosis suggested.
- Woman diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer days after her wedding marked her first anniversary at a hospice one year later, having already exceeded her initial three-to-nine-month prognosis
- Hospice staff arranged a surprise romantic celebration when the couple's planned log cabin trip became impossible, transforming a conservatory and preparing a customised three-course meal