A Scots father gave his daughter away on her wedding day in what was his “final goal in life” before he died days later of cancer.
Following a “long and hard-fought battle with cancer”, John Bremner was admitted to Strathcarron Hospice and wanted to be here to see his daughter Lori marry her fiancé Brian Robertson. However, the couple had originally planned to tie the knot in Spain next year but due to her dad’s deteriorating health, Lori and Brian brought their wedding day forward.
Hospice chaplain Laura Gilmour helped arrange an intimate service for the couple’s wedding on November 15, but John’s condition worsened and a blessing was organised for the couple on November 3.
Lori, from Baillieston, Glasgow, spoke about what it meant for her to have her dad at her wedding. She said: “It was really important for my dad – and for me – to bring it forward so he could be there for my special day. From the moment Dad came into the Hospice, achieving that was all he was focussed on.
“Dad went downhill a lot quicker than any of us could have imagined, so we brought it forward and had a blessing in the Hospice with close family. Dad knew his health was going downhill quickly.
“His wish was to walk me down the aisle but unfortunately on the day he was no longer able to walk. He held my hand and gave me away and it was the most beautiful service.”
It was held at the hospice in an intimate ceremony. She added: “Laura put together a beautiful service emphasising the importance of it being my dad’s final goal in life. The nurses got him ready in his suit and made a beautiful buttonhole and bouquet of flowers. The preparations had to happen so quickly I hadn’t time to think about any of those types of things, but the nurses were so kind and supported us.
“It could not have happened without the unending love of the nurses and staff at the Hospice, they were by our side every step of the way. Dad was so thankful and appreciative that we were willing to bring it forward and be there together as a family for the special day. Even the catering staff went out their way to make us feel special.
“Without the team at Strathcarron I wouldn’t have had that moment with my dad. My whole family is so grateful for the respect and dignity shown to my dad and for helping make it the special day it was. Staff are angels and I will be forever thankful to them. They gave me something special I never thought I would have. It was a really emotional day but their care and support was amazing.
“I can’t thank them enough and I know my dad felt the same. Staff took my dad’s finger prints and put them on a card in the shape of a love heart which I will cherish forever.”
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