Some 37 years after Paul Martin and Ann Phipps first met, they tied the knot in a ceremony at Medway Maritime Hospital.

The couple married on Tuesday on Lawrence Ward, where Paul is receiving palliative care after being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer.

Just 24 hours after chaplain Lynda Cooke said the wedding could go ahead, nurses did everything they could to make it a success.

Paul, 60, said: “Our son decided we have been together long enough and it was about time we got married and with the cancer we decided we should do it now.

“The staff here and everyone have done a grand job, we couldn’t have asked for more.”

He added: “I asked Ann out on Boxing Day, 1980, at a party at the UKP Clubhouse in Sittingbourne, but I was so drunk I couldn’t remember who I had asked.

“I had to check with her sister. Fortunately I picked the right one!”

Paul and Ann’s grandchildren Lola, nine, Dulcie, six and 14-month-old Blu-belle were bridesmaids.

They led Ann and her father Roger Brice down the hospital corridor to the room which had been dressed for the ceremony.

Ward clinical sister Stacie Patel said: “We gave him [Paul] the bad news on Friday and he said he had to get married.

“We’ve had balloons donated from the Card Factory and the food was given to us at a huge discount from Greggs. The cake was made by one of the sisters on the ward and the flowers were donated too.”

Paul, of Beaconsfield Road, Sittingbourne, said in his speech: “Thank you for everyone for turning up at such short notice.

“It’s about time she made her mind up after all these years.

“We’ve not had a proper reception today but when I get out of here we’re going to book a hall and go there to celebrate. No, it won’t be at the clubhouse.”

The couple posed for pictures with their guests and enjoyed the mini reception put on by the nurses.