Terminally ill Leeds mum gets final wish as she watches her daughter get married

Lisa Bennett, 36, from Holt Park, was set to marry her partner Stu Davison, 45, in August, but brought in forward to make sure her mum, Jacqui Amor, could see it.

Mum of six Lisa said Jacqui, who is just 58, had experienced occasional mild headaches for around six months from February 2020 and also suffered three falls during the same period.

She also started to suffer confusion and was taken to hospital by ambulance on July 30 last year after becoming distressed.

A scan showed she had three brain tumours and the family was told on August 16 that her condition was terminal.

Now, after enjoying their small-scale wedding on Friday (March 12), Lisa has thanked the community who rallied round her to make it happen.

She posted on social media earlier this year asking for wedding ideas and was then overwhelmed with offers of help from several Leeds individuals and companies, who gave their services for free so Lisa could bring her wedding forward.

Lisa said: "Mum's been telling me that this was her last wish, and that if she was to go after that day, she'd be happy."

The wedding was held in the grounds of East Leeds Cricket Club in Cross Green, just over the road from Copperfields Care Home, so Jacqui could walk over.

Lisa and Stu were married in a see-through igloo marquee so the small number of guests could see inside.

Lisa added: "The kids had to wait outside so they didn't actually get to see us exchange the rings which is a shame, but the most important thing was definitely for mum to see it.

"We didn't think she'd make it this far. We're quite lucky that it's been seven months since the diagnosis and she's still fighting on."

Although Jacqui knew she was not supposed to hug her grandchildren, she was overwhelmed by seeing them after not being able to touch them since May last year.

Lisa said: "Mum knew that she couldn't hug us and that if she did, she'd have to self-isolate for 10 days, but then she came through the care home gate and just burst into tears and grabbed the kids and grabbed me.

"She couldn't help herself. She was in tears, happy tears though - it was incredibly emotional.

"This could have been our last chance to be together as a family, because in August she was given less than 12 months. The kids probably won't be able to see her until June when restrictions are lifted.

"So this could be the only time that we were able to be together as a family and have that closeness with her and just be together. It was extra important to have that, just in case."

Lisa thanked the people who helped make the wedding happen.

She added: "A whole bunch of people offered things and didn't want any payment and I just thought 'oh my god'.

"And in the end we managed to get every single part of it completely free of charge, which is incredibly kind."

Lisa posted online to thank the following people: "East Leeds Cricket Club, Luna Event Hire, Clevay Venue Styling, Paul Martin Planters & Flowers. Michael Carden for transport, Lucy’s Balloons, Kate Gothard photographer, Hannah Barton for makeup, The Cake Illustrator. Melisscious for cupcakes., Quinlan Couture Bridal for the jacket, Aimie’s Alterations, House Of sweets for sweet cones, CreatedbyJasmin for mums box, Staff at Copperfields Care Home."

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