A cancer patient married for over 40 years has renewed his wedding vows after being diagnosed with a cancer linked to asbestos.

Staff and volunteers at the EllenorLions Hospice organised the day for patient Ron Osman after he popped the question again to beloved wife Jacky.

The couple from Greenhithe tied the knot in a ceremony at the Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, hospice on Sunday, July 28.

Jacky, said: “Ron and I met 43 years ago and we were married within a year of that first meeting.

“Our marriage was not blessed with children but our love for each other cemented our relationship through thick and thin and much of our growing up.”

In 2010 Ron was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer that is often caused by exposure to asbestos.

The 65-year-old has received care from EllenorLions Hospices, both at home and at the charity’s bedded Hospice in Northfleet.

Ron and Jacky’s ceremony was the third to take place at the Hospice in July, after staff organised weddings for patients Paula Carroll, 35, and 52-year-old Sally Edmunds.

Both women died soon after.

To find out how to get involved or make a donation to EllenorLion, call Marion Smith on 01322 221315 or email marion.smith@ellenorlions.org