Wedding bells chime at Prince of Wales Hospital

Prince of Wales Hospital’s oncology staff were recently honoured to help fulfil patient Kevin Warner’s dream of getting married to his partner, Simone.

With just a few days’ notice, and thanks to the support of Dreams2Live4 – a not for profit organisation that makes dreams come true for patients who are living with metastatic cancer – staff swung into action to set up for the big day.

The ceremony took place in the sunshine on the balcony of the oncology ward, decorated especially for the occasion. Dreams2Live4 provided a cake, food and drinks, and also organised for a photographer and videographer to capture the everlasting memories.

Grace Wall, Registered Nurse, oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, had one of the most important jobs of all - to act as witness at the ceremony

“It was a privilege to sign the wedding register for Kevin. He was a loveable person who was always up for a joke, and I’m so grateful he asked me to be a part of his marriage to Simone,” Ms Wall said.

“We always go over and above for our patients – and Kevin was such a great character, we wanted to do everything we could to make his wedding day extra special.

“After Kevin first met the nursing team on the oncology ward earlier this year, as a token of appreciation for the care he received, he organised to bring in lunch for us to share together.” 

Originally from the USA, Kevin’s family were unable to attend the wedding in person. However, Claire Byrne, Social Worker, Prince of Wales Hospital, ensured they were a part of the celebration, organising for them to join on Zoom.

Along with friends and family of Kevin and Simone, staff from across multiple disciplines who cared for Kevin during his treatment at Prince of Wales Hospital were at the wedding to hear and see the exchange of vows.

Staff included Sarah Hayes, Nurse Unit Manager, Oncology; Dr Stephen Thompson, Radiation Oncologist; Professor Philip Crowe, Surgical Oncologist and Dr Yeh Chen Lee, Medical Oncologist.

Sarah said staff and Dreams2Live4 pulled out all the stops so the day was one Kevin and Simone would never forget.

“A wedding certificate was even expedited, and later so were visas for Kevin’s family to fly to Australia. When the family visited the hospital, together they were able to share memories from the wedding face-to-face,” Ms Hayes said.

Sadly Kevin passed away on Monday, 29 June, surrounded by his new wife and many of the staff who cared for him at Prince of Wales Hospital.