Bride's dying wish comes true on a perfect day

The straight talking 49-year-old has made every day count since learning the cancer that shadowed her for the past seven years had returned.

Given only days to live, Jacqui has refused to wallow, her infectious optimism making for a perfect summer's wedding.

On Tuesday the hospice was decked out in Casablanca Lilies and cornflowers, with a marquee in the grounds. The bride wore a gown of pearl gold raw silk and the groom wore a tux. Keith's 15-year-old daughter was bridesmaid.

They were joined by a close group of friends and family for the civil ceremony in St Michael's lounge, followed by a blessing in the hospice chapel.

Jacqui, of Amherst Road, said: "We did want to get married a long time ago, but we never had the money. But we know now time is precious, and this is the one thing we wanted to do. Now, every day is a gift."

Jacqui was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 42 - she thought she had beaten it. But over the last few months, her body started to ache. Thinking it was arthritis, she visited to the Conquest Hospital.

Jacqui said: "It was three weeks ago. The doctor told me I had cancer in the spine. I thought that's it, once it gets in the old bones, that's it.

"I'd had it twice before, so I suppose I was prepared. I started to feel lumps all over my tummy and arms. I had a little weep - just for a moment - then there was a feeling of peace and acceptance. I was about to be shipped off in a box, but my doctor got me to the hospice and I've been going from strength to strength. They've been gently nurturing me here, it's been amazing, magical.

"It's not about me being brave or strong for the family '” I'm being realistic, not negative. This is going to be happening. But I've now got the opportunity to say goodbye to my friends and family. I feel blessed. I'm not in pain and I can enjoy this perfect time."

Keith, 46, a toolmaker for Marshall Tuflex, said: "I just said, well, we'll have to bring the wedding forward. Because of her attitude, she keeps everyone together. But I do feel cheated and angry, I thought we would have so much longer together, a lifetime."

The couple have known each other for years, but romance finally blossomed outside Old Town pub, The Nelson.

Jacqui was living in London at the time, Keith in Hastings, but sensing something special was happening, they started making plans together. They moved in together two years ago.

Jacqui, who worked as a receptionist for General Dynamics, said: "We knew we were meant to be together.

"It's a real friendship sort of love. I feel really comfortable with him, he's like a pair of old slippers!"

While average couples have months or years to plan for their big day, Jacqui and Keith only had a matter of days. Friends, family and nursing staff threw themselves into helping the pair prepare for the ceremony.

Even patients joined in. A former dressmaker who stayed on Jacqui's ward at the Conquest heard about the wedding and leapt from her bed, grabbed a measuring tape and immediately started sizing her up for her dress.

Jacqui laughed: "All my friends stepped into the breach - one friend made the wedding dress in four days, another came out of retirement to cut my hair.

"I've had the cake and ring made, some little blue earings for something blue. I'm a Doc Martin girl, but I've got a little pair of shoes for the day. My one dream is I can go on the Orient Express for my honeymoon. But I have to take one step at a time."

"The chapel is so pretty," said Jacqui. "I wouldn't want to get married anywhere else.

"I'm not really religious. I do believe in an after life - I'm a big believer in guardian angels and being watched over.

In typical no-nonsense style Jacqui added: "When I kick the bucket I'll be with the angels."

The bride and groom spent their wedding night at the Royal Victoria Hotel before Jacqui returned to the hospice on Wednesday.

Keith said afterwards: "It was a really special day. Everything's been tinged with sadness - but not on the day."