A terminally ill bride married her partner of 33 years in her hospice bed – after years of putting off tying the knot.
Heartbreaking pictures show newlywed couple Karen and Stephen Glossop beaming with happiness moments after saying their vows during an emotional service.
The couple was joined by their four children, Kym, Luke, Rebecca and Samantha, and five grandchildren, for their special day.
With the help of staff at Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England, the couple was able to finally say ‘I do’ last Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The pair from Eckington, Derbyshire, say they always planned to get married but “life took over.”
Earlier this year Karen, 58, was diagnosed with cancer and was moved into hospice care.
Retired lorry driver Stephen, 67, said: “We never found the time to get married.”
“The kids came along, and then life took over. But it was always our plan.”
“We’ve been together for 33 years, and this wedding has been a long time coming.”
“But the day was beautiful, and our wedding was so special. I am so grateful to Ashgate for making it happen.”
“Everyone was astounding, making it all fall into place in just hours.”
“I was so glad that we were able to get so many people together at such short notice at Ashgate.”
“Some of our family are away, but we were able to gather 22 guests at short notice, and Karen loved seeing everyone together.”
“It will be something I’ll always remember, and I’ll be forever grateful to the team at Ashgate.”
Local businesses stepped in to support staff and other volunteers to make the day possible, complete with flowers, photography, a wedding cake and a buffet.
Senior staff nurse at the hospice, Kayleigh Peacock, said: “It was a privilege to help Karen and Stephen celebrate such an important moment together.”
“Seeing everyone come together to make the day happen so quickly was incredibly special, and we’re grateful to everyone who gave their time, skills and generosity to make it possible.”
