A heart patient has married his long term sweetheart on the coronary care ward at Stepping Hill Hospital.

Patient Philip Pickrick, 82 first met Kathleen Geering, 81 at British Aerospace in Stockport almost 30 years ago when Philip was working at the company as a structural engineer and Kathleen as a secretary. 

The couple, who live in Hazel Grove in Stockport, have been together since 1990 but have never tied the knot until now.

After suffering a major heart attack, Philip and Kathleen decided to confirm their love with a wedding. Staff on the coronary care ward and hospital chaplains organised the registrars visit to the ward to carry out the wedding, getting everything together in just one day.

Friends and family gathered together on the ward for the happy occasion, with the hospital chaplain blessing the ceremony afterwards.

Kathleen said “It was a terrible and frightening experience when Philip had his heart attack, but it made us take the plunge and get married. I’d like to thank the staff at the hospital twice over. First for the brilliant care they’ve given Philip after his heart attack, and secondly for helping us organise the wedding at such short notice. They’ve been absolutely marvellous and helped us have a wonderful day.”

Philip has since moved from the cardiac ward to a non emergency ward on the hospital and it is hoped and expected he will make a good recovery.