Woman marries terminally ill best friend after she was given one year to live

A woman has married her terminally ill best friend after she was given just one year to live.

Kerry Kenworthy was given 12 to 18 months to live following a cancer diagnosis, and she confided in her friend Sian Higgins that she didn't want to die without having a wedding day - so Sian stepped up.

The 29-year-old proposed to her pal of 10 years and they set about planning the big day; now that's a proper friend.

They even had a hen do the weekend before tying the knot at Gamlingay Eco Hub, Bedfordshire, on Valentine's Day.

Mum-of-three Kerry, from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2021 after a smear test found abnormal cells.

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After two months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she was given the all-clear; but in November 2022, the 34-year-old felt severe chest pains, and doctors at Bedford Hospital found the cancer had spread to her spine, leaving no treatment options.

"I was shocked, I thought I had beaten it," the developmental psychologist recalled.

"I still had so much to do, and the doctors said I had just 12-18 months left. I wouldn't see my kids get married or even myself.

"I wanted that special day I had heard so much about, and to wear the dress and be the bride. I wanted a day of fairytales.''

Sian might already have a husband, but she was determined to make this day of fairytales a reality.

"I didn't want her to miss out on such a fun part of life," she explained.

"We both had kids so we went to parks and hung out. And now I promised to look after her kids when she's gone, anyway I can.

"I know some people might not understand it but she's my best friend. It felt strange when I'm already married, but friendship is more important.

"My husband loved it and supported everything, he even helped with the planning and how to do my tie for the special day."

And it was all worth it for Kerry, who said she had never been happier.

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"It was magical and I'm so grateful that I could experience what its like to walk down the aisle," she said.

"Everything felt truly authentic and I've never felt happier."

She added: "I may not have married a man, but I did marry someone I love. I had everyone who loved me and that's all that matters.

"It was so nerve-wracking, but when we weren't crying we were laughing. I felt so beautiful for the first in a long time.

"Sian promised to look after my daughters in her vows. I could never ask for a better friend, and now my wife."

To donate to a GoFundMe set up to help support Kerry and her children financially, click here.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week