A COUPLE who tied the knot a year ago from a hospital bed are looking forward to celebrating their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple... a day they feared they wouldn’t reach.

Brian Smith was being treated for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in July last year when his condition deteriorated.

He was moved to intensive care at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and decided to marry his long-term partner Sam Smith.

NHS staff rallied round to make their wedding day as special as any other. One nurse took on the role of wedding photographer, while another choose a Miles Davis soundtrack and the team supplied a cake and chocolates.

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Ishaku Bitrus, Healthcare Chaplain at the hospital married the couple on July 12, assisted by trainee healthcare chaplain Mackenzie Newham. Seven months later, the couple are celebrating the news that Brian's cancer is in remission.

He said: “When you’re in the middle of a situation like that, you can’t thank people as much as you want to.

“We know nurses and doctors are medically trained but the bit that makes the difference are the moments of kindness.

“From the consultant who stroked my husband’s hand, to the nurse who played wedding photographer, we are so grateful for the staff who pulled out all of the stops to make our wedding possible.”

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Weddings are made possible on-site by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Healthcare Chaplaincy service, which provides spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families.

Ishaku, Healthcare Chaplain, said: “It was my privilege as a healthcare chaplain to have officiated their wedding at a very difficult time for both of them. “I’m delighted to hear that Brian is doing well.

“As healthcare chaplains, we provide anyone of any background with spiritual care and support, especially during challenging times.

“Sam and Brian’s wedding was one of those significant moments when I was able to stand alongside patients and help them express their wishes and love.”