A COUPLE have thanked staff at Inverclyde Royal Hospital for giving them a dream wedding and helping them through the toughest of times.
David and Myra Richardson were able to have a day to remember, thanks to the efforts of the ‘wonderful’ team of nurses and staff at the IRH.
The couple, from Dunoon, decided they wanted to tie the knot, after David was told that he would require palliative care support moving forward.
Even on the day of the wedding, David required 21 per cent oxygen, but following an incredible turnaround, he is now back at home with his new wife and now requires only one per cent oxygen support.
The former labourer said: “I cannot thank the staff enough for everything they have done for me while I was at the IRH. The support me and Myra have received has been amazing and I wouldn’t be able to put into words how thankful we are for everything.
“They did everything to make our day special too; they have gone above and beyond. After the wedding, I was gradually getting better and didn’t require as much oxygen. We were both amazed and so were all of the staff.
“I have lung cancer and the staff have done absolutely everything they can for me. So now it’s a case of building up my strength as much as I can and us enjoying the rest of our married life together.”
As well as transforming an area of the hospital, staff were able to make it possible for David’s sister and brother-in-law to attend the big day, along with Myra’s daughter and her son, who walked her down the aisle. The couple also asked IRH nurses Maureen Hendry and Debbie Lambert to be witnesses for them.
Myra added: “It’s been an absolute rollercoaster of emotions for us all. The staff were wonderful, they went above and beyond for David and again to help us with the wedding.
“They did the place up so well. It looked brilliant. As soon as I walked into the place I started crying; it was a very emotional day.
“Everyone is amazed with how well David is doing now. He’s a fighter. I knew if anyone could turn things around it would be him.”
Jeanette Peel, healthcare chaplain at the IRH, said: “It is a privilege to be able to do this for a couple. While it may not be how they expect their wedding to be, many staff participate to help make sure it is a day to remember, from decorating rooms, arranging flowers, and cake and being a witness to what is always a very special occasion.
“I was delighted to play a role in David and Myra’s special day; you could see how much it meant to them.”
