A jilted bride who went ahead with her wedding anyway has been 'overwhelmed' by the support she has received, with strangers donating nearly £7,000 and a free 'honeymoon' from Holly and Phil. Kayley Stead found out on the morning of her big day that her partner of four years would not be there.
Despite this, the 27-year-old went ahead with the ceremony on September 15 in Swansea, surrounded by her loved ones. Speeches were still read with professional photos and she took her first dance with the groomsmen, her brothers, and her dad, Brian.
Although she has come away from this single her friends have rallied around her and not left her side. Best friend and bridesmaid, Jordie Cullen, 27, set up a GoFundMe page to try and recoup some costs and the donations have blown up.
Just over a week after setting up the GoFundMe Kayley's page has received an incredible £6,927 in donations and a raft of supportive messages from around the world. One said: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. You deserve someone so much better than that. Good luck for the future Hun."
Another donor wrote: "Your story absolutely broke my heart but I’m so proud of you going ahead and enjoying the day with the people who love you the most. You deserve all good things."
Before planning her wedding - which cost £12,000 - Kayley had been saving for a house and has said she plans to put the money raised towards her dream home. "I couldn't begin to thank people enough for the kindness they have shown since my story came out," she said.
"Seeing your kind words has carried me through this challenging journey and the fact that people have donated is astounding and I thank every single person who has. Thank you to everyone who has taken their time to read my story. Just remember that moments like this don't define you, but how you overcome it does."
With the unexpected happening on the wedding day Kayley never got to go on her honeymoon to Turkey, but was in for another shock this morning when she was given an unexpected gift. She appeared on This Morning yesterday (September 26) wearing her wedding dress - and hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield announced she would be receiving a gift of £2,000 to go towards a 'honeymoon'.
Phil informed Kayley - who was joined on the sofa by bridesmaids Jordie Cullen and Katie Stead - travel company Hays Travel are giving Kayley £1,000 towards a trip of her choice with This Morning deciding to match it too.
Phil told her: "Well done you, that's really seizing the day, isn't it?" I think you need that. Get away and switch off," Holly added, before giving a tearful Kayley a hug.
Grateful Kayley agreed with the hosts, nodding and saying: "I do. I need to get some sun, so thank you so much." The groom has refused to comment.
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