by Emma Grove

A couple who have raised thousands of pounds for charity are finally planning their honeymoon, more than three years after they married.

Sean D'Alton planned his wedding to long-term partner Sharon Chamberlain in a matter of days after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in December 2008.

The pair, of Minster Road, Minster, had planned to marry in August, 2009, but Sean took drastic action when his bride-to-be got her diagnosis.

The day after, he went to Minster Abbey and explained the situation and was told they could be married on December 18, three days later.

Mum-of-two Sharon was booked in for surgery to have her breast removed on December 20.

They had their wedding rings and Sharon had a dress, so the next few days were taken up with planning and phoning friends.

Sean, 44, said: "I wanted her to go down the aisle before her operation.

"People couldn't believe it when I phoned and said we are getting married in three days' time.

"It was one of the most magical nights you could imagine; it was fantastic, out of this world.

"There were carols and candlelight and it was packed."

Sharon, now 50, went into remission in 2011 but she and Sean carried on fundraising for Cancer Research UK along with a team of friends who call themselves the Cava Crew and have raised almost £40,000.

They are planning to take a bit of a break from fundraising and Sean has just booked a 10-day honeymoon to Gambia in November.

"We never really had time to plan a honeymoon," he said.

"Sharon was made up when I told her. It's a nice way to end everything that's gone on.

"None of it could have been done without all our friends and family and the Cava Crew, they have all been there the whole way through and have been absolutely fantastic."