Terminally ill Strathcarron Hospice patient's wedding wish comes true

Strathcarron Hospice patient Tracey Archibald (49) wedded husband Kevin (50) at a private ceremony on Saturday, organised largely by staff at the Fankerton-based palliative care facility.

Tracey, née O’Hara, will be forever grateful to all those from the hospice who helped to make her big day extra special – and for suggesting the couple get hitched, with their assistance, in the first place.

The pair, who stay in Kincardine, originally met on a snowboarding trip in Aviemore through a mutual friend.

They then became engaged after Kevin proposed on his 50th birthday, having been inspired by a suggestion from Tracey’s nurse, Chrisanne Gorman.

Tracey and Kevin married in the garden of a friend’s home after being cheered on by fellow residents of their hometown.

The couple say their wedding wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Strathcarron.

The new Mrs Archibald said: “It was just magical. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.

“It stayed dry and everything was perfect. My palliative care nurse planted the idea and the more we thought about it, we thought it would be nice.

“Strathcarron have done loads of organising for us. They came over one day with three new dresses and the staff did the flowers and the cake and organised the photographer, who did the service free of charge.

“They said nothing was a hassle. They’re amazing, we couldn’t thank them enough.

“Strathcarron have just been miracle workers. We probably would never have thought about it ourselves but we’re just glad that we could do it.”

A number of friends and businesses helped out the newly married husband and wife.

Among these were Christine and Pauline at Blush Boutique, four pipers from Tulliallan Pipe Band, photographer Derek Harley and caterer Lesley Mitch.

Tracey and Kevin are planning to celebrate their honeymoon at Loch Lomond on Friday.

The duo will also donate the £1000 they received in cash gifts, via a fundraising page and their wedding day, to Strathcarron.

Tracey added: “Thank you to our friends and family who attended on the day and everyone who sent us good wishes.”

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