A young dad who has been told his bowel cancer is terminal married the mother of his children in an emotional ceremony at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Ryan Glenny, 23, who is known by his middle name Felix, was diagnosed with bowel cancer last month but despite an operation and going through chemotherapy, he has now been told the devastating news that he wont recover.

He and his girlfriend, Cola Weller, 22, decided to get married on Friday because they were told Ryan only has months to live.

His diagnosis is all the more heartbreaking following the death of his mother from bowel cancer three years ago, aged 41.

His grandfather also died of the disease last year.

The couple, who met three years ago, have two children, Ralph, two, and 15-week old Pearl and live in High Street, Lower Stoke.

Felix became ill in November when he started complaining of stomach problems and was admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital.

The 23-year-old was given an emergency CT scan and had surgery the next day to remove a tumour.

However, despite treatment the couple were told the devastating news that Ryan’s cancer was terminal on their son’s second birthday.

Just hours after his operation, his friend Ashley Clark, also 23, set up an appeal to raise funds for Felix and his family.

After a series of fundraising events, including a pram race; a five-a-side football tournament; setting up an online donation appeal and the salon where Cola works, Headcase in Chatham, offering haircuts in exchange for donation, already more than £6,000 has been raised for the family.

The couple got married in front of some of their family at during an intimate civil marriage ceremony at 1pm on Friday, their son, Ralph was a page boy.

Afterwards the newly married couple were joined by more family and friends for a service of prayer and dedication which was held at the hospital’s social club.

Ryan was able to sit in a wheel chair during the service, which was led by Revd Steve Spencer, the senior chaplain at the hospital site.

During it their marriage was blessed and prayers were said by the congregation for the couple’s two young children.

The couple also chose their wedding song to be Ellie Goulding - How Long Will I Love You.

Speaking after the marriage service, Cola, said: "We got married at 1pm and it was amazing - it was so emotional.

"We got married because we are in love of course, but we had to do it as soon as possible before Ryan deteriorates and we found out there was nothing more the doctors could do.

"Ralph was a page boy and we found out about Ryan on his second birthday, but I can honestly say the last three years with Ryan have been the best of my life."

There is still time to donate to the fundraising efforts for the family, if you would like to donate, visit www.gofundme.com/59nuts