Illness can’t stop Jenny’s big day

HAPPY couple Jim and Jenny Rudd surrounded by family

JENNY BARNES thanked hospital staff after she married her tower of strength in a day that her family feared might never happen.

They ensured that the 60-year-old who is battling cancer could leave her hospital bed for several hours on Saturday to marry Jim Rudd (62).

Friends, family and nurses attended the ceremony at Greenacres Congregational Church where the former insurance clerk was given away by her daughter, Jenny Smith (27).

She wore a tiara and an ivory-coloured gown as she exchanged vows from a wheelchair.

Jenny said: “I am very happy. We were that determined to get married that the hospital helped us.

“The nurses have come down to give their support and it means a lot to us all.”

The celebrations started on Friday with a hen party at the Royal Oldham Hospital where Jenny was admitted on August 25 when she fell seriously ill from an infection.

She has undergone chemotherapy and other treatment after being diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer, 21/2 years ago.

Family had been told she did not have long but the couple, of Spring Street, Greenacres, were determined to go ahead with their big day.

The service was followed by a reception at Austerlands Cricket Club where guests raised more than £300 for the hospital after the newlyweds asked for donations rather than gifts.

Jenny, who also has three sons — Michael, Paul and Andrew — returned to hospital at 7.30pm.

Father-of-three Jim has known Jenny for years and was a friend of her husband who died 10 years ago.

Between them they have 10 grandchildren and the former floor and wall tiler now cares for Jenny, who, he described as brilliant, kind and one on her own.

Paying tribute to the medical staff who made the day possible he added: “They have fought like hell to get her here today. The nurses and Dr Ellenbush have been fantastic.

“There were quite a few times we did not think we would even make it but Jenny is a fighter and she has made it.

“It’s thanks to the dedication of the nurses and the doctors. I can’t speak highly enough of them. They have done wonders for her.”