In a scene more suited to the movies than a hospital, Per-Olof Nilsson and his new bride Anne solidified 50 years of memories by saying I-do.
An intimate gathering of loved ones and a small group of privileged hospital staff held back tears as Per-Olof stood next to 86-year-old Anne’s hospital bed and promised to love her in sickness and in health.
The bride chose to wear a dress she had kept from the year she and Per-Olof had first met – her new husband commenting how beautiful she used to look in it when they went out dancing in their younger years.
The newlyweds who met in Australia in 1973 after immigrating from Denmark and Sweden said they had been meaning to get married for years but had never gotten around to it.
Their marriage celebrant, and friend, even joked that he checked in ‘about once every decade’ to see if the couple were ready to tie the knot yet!
Anne who has been diagnosed with a life limiting illness told her doctor that she wanted to marry Per-Olof just yesterday, and within 24-hours the incredible Palliative care team had planned a wedding.
NUM Gillian Myles and a team of helpers transformed Logan’s Palliative care garden into a wedding wonderland and organised flowers, champagne and even a wedding cake for the pair.
With Anne’s eyesight gone, Gillian catered to her other senses by selecting flowers that had a strong scent for her bouquet and ensuring her favourite music was playing on the speaker.
Gillian said bearing witness to this moment was incredible.
"This is what we do it for," she said.