Bride-to-be loses battle with cancer

SOULMATES . . . Paul Dean talks about the love of his life, Joanne Mayall, who has died before they could be married

A COURAGEOUS Royton woman who was in the midst of planning her dream wedding to the love of her life has lost her battle with cancer.

Joanne Mayall (35) was diagnosed with bowel cancer six years ago and bravely battled the disease until the very end despite doctors discovering tumours on her lungs and reproductive system.

In 2003 Joanne met Paul Dean, in an internet chatroom.

Within weeks, Paul had moved from Nottingham to Oldham and asked Joanne to be his wife.

The lovebirds had to cancel their wedding — of posh frocks and wellies in a field — due to Joanne’s illness.

Last year, the couple won a dream wedding competition in the Sunday People, and began making plans.

But Joanne’s condition deteriorated and she moved into Dr Kershaw’s Hospice earlier this year.

On Wednesday last week, Joanne and Paul exchanged rings during a Humanist ceremony at the Royton hospice — just three days before she died in Paul’s arms.

Paul (40) said: “I have no purpose in life any more.

“Joanne was the most amazing woman I have ever met and I am so honoured that she chose me to spend the rest of her life with.

“On the day she passed away she was surrounded by her family and she fought right up until the very last minute.

“She was so brave but it all just got too much for her.

“We were a really strong team and always did everything together and I am glad that she didn’t have to go through her battle alone.

“The care she received at Dr Kershaw’s was amazing and myself and all her family are very grateful.

“We have donated all the things we had bought for the wedding to the hospice so that anyone in our situation can make use of it if they are planning a wedding there.”

Joanne’s funeral will take place at Oldham Crematorium on Friday at 10am. Paul and her family request donations to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice instead of flowers.