Standing beside one another, having just said their vows, Naomi and Graham Thomas could have been any couple enjoying those first few seconds of marital bliss. The venue, St. Audries Park in Somerset was resplendent, and the couple’s family and friends had gathered together to witness those very special words of love that had just been exchanged. Indeed, everything was perfect on that bright summer’s day in June 2012. However, just a matter of months beforehand Naomi and Graham had faced the real possibility that they may never get married.
In 2010, just six days after the birth of the couple’s miracle baby boy, Devon, Naomi was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer; while her condition is treatable it is incurable. The news came as a devastating blow to Naomi and her soul mate Graham, who had been hoping to get married once their baby arrived. Indeed, Graham proposed to Naomi just days before she was given her original diagnosis of breast cancer in 2009; the pair had lived with the shadow of cancer for much of their relationship.
Naomi explains; “Terminal and life-limiting illnesses destroy so much that we’d normally take for granted; the thought of saving up for, and organising a wedding suddenly became a very distant one. Every penny we had went towards supporting our little family, since neither of us was able to work due to graham having to care for me 24/7. All we wanted in that moment was to stand before our family and friends and show them how much we loved each other. I was desperate for Devon to know just how much his daddy had cared for me, and I for him, in case anything happened to me before he was old enough to appreciate those moments.”
Naomi’s story came to the attention of a local wedding planner, Sam. She approached the couple and offered to organise a wedding as cheaply as she possibly could. Local wedding suppliers rallied around Naomi and Graham, and on the 6th June 2012, at St. Audries Park, the couple finally said, “I do”. Although that day brought Naomi and Graham together as man and wife it did so much more besides. Desperate to help couples in similarly bleak situations Naomi founded The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, a charity that organises and funds weddings for those affected by terminal and life-limiting illnesses.
Seven years since her diagnosis Naomi is thankful for every day, and each memory she is able to make with her husband and young son. She is also fiercely determined to wed as many couples as she can; to date The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation has helped more than forty couples to tie the knot, but is aware that there are so many more out there looking for their Happily Ever After.
“We currently turn down 75% of applications, but it’s not through a want of trying; we simply don’t have the resources or funds to help any more couples than we do already. Our suppliers and supporters work tirelessly to ensure each wedding day is special, and many work for free, or a fraction of what they’d normally charge. Despite this, we’re still unable to organise even half of the weddings we’d like to.” Naomi says.
Getting married is something so many of us take for granted, and yet for the charity’s couples that single day is a beacon of light during very dark times.
Naomi explains, “We become involved with couples during their bleakest days; at a time when they’re eager to hold onto every opportunity to make memories that they can. For most the wedding planning becomes a welcome distraction from appointments, prognoses, and treatment; we involve the couple at every step, ensuring they get the wedding day they want, and deserve, to the best of our abilities. The wedding day itself is the couple’s chance to finally relax in one another’s company, perhaps for the first time in a long time. In that moment there’s no treatment, no hospital, and no doctors poking and prodding; only love, and the company of family and friends – and a good old party thrown into the mix. In some cases that wedding day is the last opportunity that friends and family may have to gather together and make memories. We are honoured to play such a role in that celebration, and to help brides or grooms achieve their final wish.”
How you can help The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation
It couldn’t be simpler to show your support to The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation, whether you’re a bride or groom, a member of the wedding party, or a wedding supplier.
Wedding suppliers: To offer your time and services for free, or a reduced rate, please contact info@weddingwishingwell.org.uk to have your details placed upon the database. You can also become a sponsor for just £10 per year. The charity undertakes weddings all over the country, and would be happy to receive your offer of assistance.
Brides and grooms: The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation provides a gift list service, which enables guests to donate to the charity in lieu of buying a present. You could also choose to make a donation rather than distributing favours, alerting guests to your decision with printed place cards. Finally, the charity sells its own favours, which can be personalised with details of your big day. Please visit www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk for details of any of these options. Oh, and brides; the charity operates its own bridal store, La Boutique, in Exeter. With plenty of big names, dresses in sizes four to thirty, and prices firmly below £500, you’re bound to find the gown of your dreams – and all the proceeds will go back into the charity.
Supporters: The charity is always grateful to receive news of fundraising events, sponsored activities, or donations. If you feel that you’d be able to make a one-off donation or organise an event or activity please do so; any amount, regardless of how large or small, is appreciated.
Dress donation: If you still have your gown following your own wedding please do consider donating it to The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation. Many of the dresses donated go on to be used by the charity’s couples, or sold in the bridal boutique to make another bride’s dreams come true. Please send a photo of your dress to the email below.
Please do take a little time to visit the charity’s website and familiarise yourself with its work; it’ll be the most worthwhile decision you make today.
info@weddingwishingwell.org.uk
Add new comment