This is our time

STILL waiting . . . but Paul and Joanne could win their dream wedding

A ROYTON couple who have beaten serious illness against all the odds are hoping to win their dream wedding after years of disappointment.

Paul Dean and Joanne Mayall met in an internet chatroom five years ago. Within weeks, Paul had moved to Oldham from Nottingham and proposed to Joanne.

But their wedding plans had to be scrapped when Paul (39) was diagnosed with diverticular disease, which affects the large intestine. He was told he would need surgery.

While Paul was being treated, Joanne (35) also fell ill. She was told she had irritable bowel syndrome. However, doctors had made a horrific mistake. In fact, Joanne had bowel cancer.

And the horror didn’t end there. After surgery to remove a tumour, Joanne contracted septicaemia. This led doctors to discover more tumours. During Joanne’s second operation, doctors were forced to remove all her reproductive organs. She will never be able to have children.

A third bout of surgery saw the couple spend Christmas, 2007, on ward F5 at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Joanne had a full pelvic clearance, including the removal of her bladder, during a six-hour operation. Joanne then contracted MRSA — three times — while she was recovering from surgery.

A post-op scan showed new tumours in her bowel which had spread to her lungs. She now has to undergo scans every six weeks.

The couple have been planning their dream wedding — posh frocks and wellies in a field — since 2003.

But every year their plans have to be put on hold.

But their luck could be about to change.

The couple have been shortlisted to win £10,000 for the ceremony in a competition run by a Sunday newspaper.

Paul said: “Jo is the strongest woman I have ever met. I would dearly love to give her the wedding she so wants.

“A big part of our wedding is to invite all the nurses from ward F5 at the Royal Oldham Hospital who have helped us both over the years and spoil them with a pre-wedding makeover.

“They have got us this far together and chocolates just don’t say thank you enough.”

::To vote for Paul and Joanne call: 09012290606 and press 1, or text WED1 to 84080.