A NEWLY-MARRIED husband who wed the love of his life near Helensburgh last week after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer has said a heartfelt thank you to all those involved in making the ceremony happen.
Murdo Maclean and his fiancee Angela Gregory tied the knot at the Rosslea Hall Hotel in Rhu on Tuesday, July 20.
Less than two weeks earlier Murdo had got down on one knee and asked Angela to marry him.
Angela, 47, was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in March 2018, but after numerous treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, she was told earlier this month that she only had two weeks to live.
After seeking advice on social media about how to go about finding a wedding venue at short notice, the couple were lent a helping hand by Wedding Wish Makers, a non-profit organisation set up last year to organise and crowdfund weddings for people who are terminally ill.
And within days the Rosslea had stepped in to provide a venue – and thanks to a series of kind gestures from businesses and individuals, and donations of more than £3,000 from members of the public, the couple, who met in May 2009, had rings, outfits, music and transport for their ceremony and more.
“She was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in early 2018,” Murdo told the Advertiser, “and given just a couple of years.
“But she has fought her illness with amazing resolve, and has had to endure liver resections, bowel surgery and most recently liver ablation.
“She seemed to be keeping the disease at arm’s length until we got the most recent devastating news.”
Once Murdo popped the question the couple’s thoughts turned to how they might organise a wedding at short notice – and when they asked for help via social media, they weren’t short of offers.
“Angela has always been active on social media,” Murdo told the Advertiser, “and after I asked her to marry me she put out an appeal for information about any venues that might be able to host us at short notice.
“That just led to a landslide of offers. We just wanted a bit of advice but the offers we received were absolutely incredible.”
Within a few days Lynn Graham, general manager at the Rosslea, had offered up the hotel as a venue, Jane MacGregor at Argyll and Bute Council had organised the couple’s marriage licence – and friends of the couple, businesses and ordinary members of the public had stepped in to see how they might be able to help.
Talented young bagpiper Mark Morrison, from Balloch, provided music at the ceremony, and the Motown Brothers did likewise at the reception.
Speaking to the Advertiser this week, Murdo, 49, described Lynn and her team at the Rosslea as “amazing” – and said he owed a huge debt of thanks to many people for their efforts, including Suzanne Stevenson from Wedding Wish Makers and friends Davie and Janette Wilson, from Alexandria, who helped organise Angela’s hair and makeup as well as a videographer and the day’s musical entertainment.
Others who helped ensure the couple had a dream wedding day included friends Iain Macinnes and Andy Haining, customers at the Stumps Bar in Partick, Houston Kiltmakers in Paisley, photographer and videographer Karen Muir, staff at Beaverbrooks jewellers and David’s Bridal at Braehead, Methodist Church probationary deacon Bob Stoner, who performed the marriage ceremony, minister Andrew Baker and the congregation at Partick Methodist Church, best man Martin Anderson, groomsmen Neil Currie and Murdo’s brother Iain, bridesmaids Emma and Susan and maid of honour Hazel.
“There were so many people that made our day great, I apologise if I have left anyone out,” Murdo added.
“It was absolutely sensational. Unfortunately it took a lot out of Angela, and she was very sick the next day, but the Rosslea staff called out ambulances to take us to the Vale of Leven Hospital.
“It was Angela’s dream to get married in the area and nobody can take those memories away now – it was just amazing.”
A spokesperson for the Rosslea Hall Hotel said: “Our hearts are breaking and bursting with pride at the bravery of this amazing lady.
“Congratulations Angela and Murdo, the new Mr and Mrs Maclean.
“I just love how our industry pulled together to deliver a wonderful day at such short notice for such a special couple.”
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