A terminally ill mum has fulfilled her dying wish by marrying her long-term partner at an emotional service at the Heart of Kent Hospice.

Paul Eccleston, from Gillingham, proposed to Tracey Deacon just days before she was told she had only a year to live.

But wedding plans were hastily arranged when the 49-year-old Staplehurst mum’s health deteriorated.

In little more than a week, staff and volunteers helped arrange the tear-jerking ceremony in the Aylesford hospice’s garden room on Wednesday.

Failing health prevented the primary school teaching assistant from walking down the aisle, but sons Scott, 25, and Sam, 20, stood proudly either side of her wheelchair to accompany her to the service attended by around 20 family and friends, including 23-year-old daughter Rebecca.

For the occasion Miss Deacon, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2001, was lent a dress by a nurse, her bouquet was made by the volunteer florist and the catering team took care of the cake.

Watch: Terminally ill mum fulfills dying wish

Miss Deacon, who was a teaching assistant at Park Way Primary School in Maidstone before becoming ill, told the Kent Messenger: “It is the happiest time of our lives, but also the worst.

“It has been a real whirlwind.

“We had already decided to get married and then I became more ill and we were asked by the hospice if there was anything we wanted to do with the time that we had.

“Having the wedding has really helped my family by giving them something positive to focus on.

“I have always been a positive person and I have had a long time to get used to it. You just have to take it and make the best of everything.

“The staff and volunteers have been amazing. I didn’t think it could happen.”

Kerry Harrison, acting patient services director at the Hall Road hospice, added: “Our aim is to support patients, families and carers to achieve their wishes and sometimes that means our team go the extra mile.

“We strive to make every day precious, but especially days like this for Tracey and Paul.”