Light danced through the stained-glass windows of the Haven at Moya Cole Hospice, shimmering hues of blue, purple, and orange as Derek and Pamela renewed their vows after 29 years of marriage. The ceremony took place following Derek's diagnosis with bile duct cancer.
A Sudden Change in Health
The couple originally planned to renew their vows later in the year, but a sudden deterioration in Derek's health in March led to his admission to the hospice. They decided to hold the vow renewal at the hospice instead.
According to Anne Davies, a supporter of Moya Cole Hospice and the writer of the account, the family spoke with Macmillan nurses who confirmed the vow renewal could take place in the Haven. The vicar from the church where the couple originally married agreed to officiate the ceremony free of charge.
Community Support
A friend of Pamela's provided a Rolls-Royce free of charge for the occasion. The ceremony was attended mainly by family and a couple of friends. "It was mainly family and a couple of friends, but it was a lovely occasion," Davies said.
About Moya Cole Hospice
Moya Cole Hospice provides holistic care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, including inpatient care, day therapy, and supportive outpatient services from its sites at Heald Green, Stockport, and Little Hulton, Salford. The teams also offer community and outreach services, including care in the patient's home via a Hospice at Home service in Salford and Trafford, a Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford, and a homelessness palliative care service in Manchester. A 24-hour telephone advice line is available to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals in Salford, Manchester, Trafford, and Stockport.
