A terminally-ill mum married her platonic best friend after deciding she didn't want to die without 'having a wedding day'.
Single mum Kerry Kenworthy was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2021. She was given the all-clear after treatment, but in November 2022 doctors found it had spread to her spine.
The 34-year-old was told the devastating news that she had just 12 to 18 months to live. Afterwards, she confided in her best friend Sian Higgins about her 'deep sadness' that she would never walk down the aisle.
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The next day, Sian, 29, proposed to best pal of 10 years Kerry and the pair set about planning a wedding. Sian, a teacher, even held a hen party the weekend before the special day, during which they had a afternoon tea with a group of close friends.
On Valentine's Day 2023, the two friends were 'married' at Gamlingay Eco Hub, South Cambridge, with all their five children around them. Kerry, a developmental psychologist, said: "It was magical and I'm so grateful that I could experience what its like to walk down the aisle.
"We had cake, rings and a first dance. Everything felt truly authentic and I've never felt happier.
"I appreciate everyone that helped out setting up the day and fundraising. I'm not scared about dying, I'm scared about leaving my daughters behind.''
Kerry, a mum-of-three from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2021 after a smear found abnormal cells. After two months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy she was given the all-clear.
But in November 2022, Kerry, who had never previously married, felt extreme chest pains and doctors at Bedford Hospital quickly found the cancer had spread to her spine leaving no treatment options.
Kerry, who is mum to, Lily, nine, Mia, 12 and Violet, six, said: "I was devastated when I got the news but I kind of already knew. And I wasn't worried about dying, I was terrified for the kids.
"The treatment was a lot to manage but I just wanted to get better."
On her terminal diagnosis, Kerry said: "I was shocked, I thought I had beaten it. I still had so much to do, and the doctors said I had just 12-18 months left.
"I wouldn't see my kids get married or even myself. I wanted that special day I had heard so much about, and to wear the dress and be the bride. I wanted a day of fairy tales.''
Just days later, Kerry spoke with her best friends, Sian and Claire Olivia, 40, teaching assistant, about her diagnosis and her 'deep sadness' that she would never walk down the aisle. After joking around about possibly marrying each other, Sian went over to Kerry's a week later, and proposed, in January 2023.
Sian, who already has a husband, explained: "I didn't want her to miss out on such a fun part of life. We had met through mutual friends over three years and hit it off.
"Kerry is kind and funny. We both had kids so we went to parks and hung out.
"And now I promised to look after her kids when she's gone, anyway I can. I know some people might not understand it but she's my best friend.
"It felt strange when I'm already married, but friendship is more important. My husband loved it and supported everything, he even helped with the planning."
With only three months to spare, they set about planning the big day, with a small group of friends. Local businesses heard about the wedding and gifted the venue, cake, food, decorations, and invites.
The bridesmaid dresses were donated by Rose's Bridal Boutique, Bedford. Kerry's £475 lacy wedding gown was bought from the same shop with money raised between Sian and her close friends.
On Valentines Day, Kerry and Sian was married in front of 70 guests by family friend, Don Simpson, 62, at the Gamlingay Eco Hub, as Kerry's daughters stood beside their mum as her bridesmaids. Sian, whose husband was her best man, said: "Kerry deserved to have a special day, and I wanted to help her.
"My husband was so supportive, and even helped me with my tie for the day. He was my best man and I got to marry my best friend aswell."
After the 3pm ceremony, they cut the cake, and had their first dance. Sian surprised Kerry with a solo performance of 'Heroes' by Mariah Carey.
After a couple of speeches from close friends and family, the wedding ended at 6pm. The newlyweds are now trying to plan something for their honeymoon through GoFundMe.
Kerry, whose ex partner will bring up her children once she's gone, said: "The whole wedding was magical.
"It was like a fairytale. I may not have married a man, but I did marry someone I love.
"I had everyone who loved me and that's all that matters. It was so nerve-wracking, but when we weren't crying we were laughing.
"I felt so beautiful for the first in a long time. Sian promised to look after my daughters in her vows.
"I could never ask for a better friend, and now my wife!" You can read more on Kerry's fundraising page here.
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