'They deserve medals': Hospital patient praises staff for streaming her parents' wedding renewal

A hospital patient who was able to be involved in her parents' wedding renewal vows has praised NHS staff in Birmingham for their caring and selfless actions.

Wendy McFadden, who was admitted to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) for hip surgery, said: "They all deserve medals for what they’ve done."

"I spent so long helping to organise my parents’ wedding renewal and despite being in hospital, I’ve still been part of the day," she added.

Ms McFadden had organised the celebration as her parents approached their 60th wedding anniversary this year – but Covid restrictions delayed the plans.

When Ms McFadden’s own health deteriorated, leaving her in need of surgery at the same time as the rearranged wedding renewal, the team at ROH stepped in to make sure she was able to take part in her family’s celebrations.

Her parents married in Stoke-on-Trent in 1961 and are now in their 80s.

Many members of staff on the Ward 4 team came in on their days off to stream the vow renewal ceremony in Ms McFadden’s room and help her dress for the occasion.

Ms McFadden said she was "moved" by the support from the staff, who also organised a special meal, did her hair and make-up, and decorated her room.

"I can’t thank them enough," she said.

Ward 4 manager Yi Kessey added, "We’ve all grown very attached to Wendy.

"She’s a very special lady and it’s our pleasure to help her celebrate.

"We knew this event was very important… I’m really proud of the whole team today."