A Stevenage couple brought forward their planned wedding and exchanged vows on Friday with the help of staff at the Garden House Hospice.

Gaynor Savell and her fiancé Kevin Barnard were joined by 50 friends and family members who gathered in the Letchworth-based hospice’s Hawthorn Room for the ceremony, which was overseen by staff from Stevenage register office.

Guests then stayed on until the early evening and enjoyed a celebration reception.

The wedding ceremony and reception were originally planned for the end of July at the register office, before the couple decided to pull everything forward.

Even though the whole event was pulled together in less than a week, nobody would ever have known.

A Luton-based tailor managed to complete the beautiful cream and gold, beaded bespoke bridal outfit ahead of time so that the bride looked stunning on her special day, while staff and volunteers at the hospice decorated the room with bunting and flowers.

Gaynor’s two sons Michael and Simon walked their mum down the aisle and into the arms of Kevin, watched by family members ranging in age from three months to 90 years old.

Speaking after the ceremony, Michael said: “We cannot thank everyone enough. Nothing has been too much trouble for anyone, especially the staff and volunteers at the hospice.

“Because of this we were all able to celebrate mum and Kevin’s special day. Words cannot express our gratitude.”

The hospice’s new chief executive, Sue Plummer, said: “It is a privilege to care for Gaynor and her family and we are all proud to have been a part of their special day and to share in their love for each other.

“Supporting patients to live life to the full and achieve their goals and wishes is what we strive to do every day.

“Congratulations to Gaynor and Kevin from everyone at Garden House.”

The hospice, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, provides specialist services for people across North Herts including inpatient care, a hospice at home service, a day service and bereavement support.

It needs needs to raise £2 million in charitable income each year in order to run its services – delivered at no cost to patients and their families.

For more information visit www.ghhospice.co.uk .