Kerry Kenworthy beams with happiness as she walks down the aisle at the big white wedding she thought she would never see.
By her side is not her new husband or wife but her best friend, Sian Higgins – who she “married” in a staged ceremony organised by loving pals and family to allow Kerry to experience the fairytale day she always dreamed of before it is too late.
Because when single mum Kerry, 34, was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer, her initial reaction was fear at leaving daughters Mia, 12, Lily, nine, and Violet, six, behind. Soon after came regret at the things she would never get to do – which included seeing her girls marry and walking down the aisle herself.
So best friends Sian, 29, and Claire Olivia, 40, stepped up to organise the day of Kerry’s dreams – with Sian acting as spouse.
The pair “wed” in a special ceremony on Valentine’s Day in front of 80 guests, with Kerry in a long white lace and tulle gown and carrying a bridal bouquet, Sian in a purple suit, Claire giving Kerry away, and her girls thrilled to be bridesmaids.
Kerry says: “It was the best wedding day I could have ever wished for.
“It was magical and I’m so grateful that I could experience what it’s like to say ‘I do’. I am so lucky to have such amazing friends like Sian and Claire.
“I can’t believe they and so many other people went to so much trouble to give me my dream day.”
Kerry was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2021 after a smear found abnormal cells.
Following two months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy she was given the all-clear – but when she started getting chest pains last November, doctors at Bedford Hospital found the cancer had spread to her spine.
Kerry, a developmental psychologist originally from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, was given the devastating news that she had only 12 to 18 months to live.
She says: “I wasn’t worried about dying, I was terrified for the kids... scared about leaving my daughters behind.”
She also felt overwhelming sadness at all the things she still wanted to achieve in life. She had never been married, so experiencing a wedding day was top of the list.
She says: “I wanted that special day I had heard so much about. To wear the dress and be the bride. I wanted a day of fairytales.”
Best friend of 10 years Sian, who went with her to the prognosis appointment, knew how much her pal’s dream meant to her.
Sian, a teacher, says: “Kerry mentioned a few things that she would never be able to do. One of them was walking down the aisle, because she didn’t have a man. I said, ‘Why do we need a man?’”
So she and Claire, a teaching assistant, hatched a plan to fulfil Kerry’s wish. Sian “proposed” in January, while Kerry was having chemo at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Sian says: “I said will you marry me? And then Kerry was so ill she threw up, but eventually it brought a smile to her face.”
After a hen party at Southill Tea Rooms in Bedfordshire last weekend, on Tuesday, Claire escorted the bride down the aisle to be married, with former colleague Don Simpson, 63, “officiating” the ceremony.
Sian’s husband Mark, 29, acted as her best man at the do at a community hub in the village of Gamlingay, Cambs – and even helped her knot her wedding tie.
Kerry’s vows to Sian included being with her on “a lifetime of crazy adventures”, while Sian pledged to “look out for your three beautiful daughters” before the pair swapped rings. Almost everything on the day, which would have cost an estimated £7,000, was donated, including the flowers, buffet and cake.
A local man who had had cancer lent his Ferrari as the bridal car, and Kerry’s dream dress and her daughters’ outfits were paid for through fundraising.
The bride says: “It was amazing. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Sian, who says Mark was fully supportive, adds: “I know some people might not understand it, but she’s my best friend.” While the nuptials were not legally binding, and tears were shed, Kerry is grateful she got to say ‘I do’.
She adds: “The whole wedding was magical, like a fairy tale. Everyone went to so much trouble wearing hats, fascinators, and amazing outfits. It was everything a wedding should be – just without signing the register. It was perfect.” Despite feeling drained from the treatment she is still having at Addenbrooke’s, Kerry is now concentrating on staying as well as can be and making memories with her daughters
The children know their mum’s cancer has returned, but not what her life expectation is. In future, they will live with their dad, who Kerry split from four years ago.
She adds: “I am trying to build up savings for them so they have got something for the future. I’m getting birthday cards ready and gifts for the big milestones in their lives for when I am not around. That is really important for me.”
Tragically, Kerry knows she will never get to see Mia, Lily and Violet reach one particular milestone – getting married.
But at least she can take some comfort in having finally experienced that for herself, thanks to her amazing pals.
She adds: “I may not have married a man, but I did marry someone I love.
“I had everyone who loved me [there] and that’s all that matters.”
