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Ricky Elmes with fiancee, Natasha Harwood and their little boy, Reuben, two years old
Friends of a terminally ill young mum are hoping to arrange her dream wedding before it's too late.
At the age of 27, Natasha Harwood should be looking forward to a bright future with fiance Ricky Elmes and their two-year-old son, Reuben.
But the young family from Sunningdale Court, Maidstone, was rocked earlier this year when Natasha was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Now friends are rallying to organise her special day before she becomes too ill.
Michelle Stone and Natalie Clark met Natasha at Betsy Clara Nursing Home in Courtenay Road, Tovil, where she had worked as a chef until her illness forced her to stand down earlier this year.
“I went to the doctors in January,” said Natasha. “They thought it was coeliacs disease but the tests came back negative. I got sent off for an ultrasound – they thought it was ovarian cancer but then I had a CT scan. It was bowel cancer.”
"it’s been tough, but we’re all trying to keep positive and just keep going. that’s all we can do" – natasha harwood
“It was a total shock,” said Michelle. “She just thought she wasn’t well. She was tired all the time and then to get that news that it was so bad – stage four terminal. It was really hard.”
So far they have arranged a wedding dress, Natasha’s hair and make-up for the day and catering.
The priority is now getting a venue, and they are hoping Oakwood House hotel – where Natasha had been to look around – might be able to help.
She said: “We’ve had friends wanting to help and a few cakes offered.
“A lot of people are so generous. It’s amazing. We’re trying to organise the wedding for July or August because Natasha has three months of chemotherapy now.”
Asked about her friends, Natasha, said: “They’re absolutely lovely. I couldn’t ask for better people.
“It’s been tough, but we’re all trying to keep positive and just keep going. That’s all we can do.”
Natahsa, who went to All Saints Primary School and Maplesden Noakes School, first met Ricky at Betsy Clara, where he was a carer.
He later moved to a job at Rectory House care home in Harrietsham, but has now had to give up work to look after her and Reuben.
“Before I got ill we were looking at getting married and had been to one wedding fair,” said Natasha.
“I said to the girls I don’t mind as long as it’s a nice day and everyone has a good time. That’s all that matters.
“I just want to raise awareness of bowel cancer – it’s not just older people that can get it.”
