A young mum got her dying wish to marry the man she loved after her wedding day was organised in just a few hours.

Staff and volunteers at the Ellenor Lions hospice in Northfleet pulled out all the stops to make Paula O’Shea’s dream come true after her condition suddenly deteriorated.

Paula and fiancé Dave Carroll, both 35, tied the knot at the hospice in Coldharbour Road in front of family, friends and their children.

The young mum-of-six from Gravesend was admitted to the bedded hospice just two days earlier, after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

Speaking after the ceremony, Dave said: “We only found out about the brain tumour a few days ago.

"This morning we were all in tears and praying for her to wake for five minutes, just so that the kids could say goodbye.

"A day that started off devastating has turned into one of happiness and laughter. We’re so grateful to everyone at EllenorLions for doing so much to make this wedding happen.”

The couple have been engaged for more than two years but they never made it down the aisle because of other commitments.

Paula said: “There’s always been something in the way of us getting married but thanks to EllenorLions we’ve made it.

"Today has really lifted everybody’s spirits and we’re so thankful to everyone for making our dream come true. It’s lovely to see the kids so happy and everyone smiling.”

Mr and Mrs Carroll’s special day was made possible thanks to the charity’s chaplaincy team, who arranged the Special Licence with the help of Dartford Register Office.

Nurses on the ward lent a hand by steaming Paula’s wedding dress and helped her to get ready.

Keeping to tradition, the bride kept the groom waiting for half an hour, before making a grand entrance accompanied by her four daughters as bridesmaids.

The ceremony was followed by an outdoor reception in the hospice gardens.

"A day that started off devastating has turned into one of happiness and laughter" - Dave Carroll

Guests soaked up the sunshine while enjoying a wedding breakfast and cake laid on by the hospice catering team.

Claire Cardy, director of patient care at EllenorLions Hospices, said: “We always aim to put patients and families at the heart of everything we do.

“Everyone rallied together to organise the wedding, which was an amazing feat. This highlights what a fantastic team we have across the organisation, all working together to meet someone’s wishes.

EllenorLions Hospices is a charity, providing hospice care for adults and children across north Kent in their place of choice, including their own homes or the charity’s bedded hospice.

To find out how you can get involved or to make a donation call Area Fundraiser Isobel Kerry on 01322 221315 or email Isobel.kerry@ellenorlions.org