Husband 'wishes he'd got married sooner' as terminally ill wife dies eight days after wedding
A grieving husband has said he wishes he had got married sooner after his terminally ill wife died just eight days after the couple tied the knot.
Keith Pearce from Staffordshire married his partner of 12 years, Ann Ruddock, on October 21 at their Blurton home.
The 55-year-old has paid tribute to his wife, saying: "We were amazing together. She was brilliant. We loved each other that much. She was the love of my life."Ann, who was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer last month, died on Friday October 29.
The couple had been engaged for 10 years when they decided to finally get married, and started to discuss the idea with the Douglas Macmillan Hospice.
"I had just got through the front door as she took her last breath," husband says
Mr Pearce said: "She passed away around 7.30pm. I had just got through the front door as she took her last breath."“Her daughter and her daughter-in-law were with her when she passed. I went to Tesco to get her a single sheet and duvet cover because we didn’t think she would go that quick."“When she passed, I couldn’t stop crying. I took some frustrations out and couldn’t control myself. I’ve lost a massive part of me."“It’s had a big impact on everyone. She was well-loved by everyone. It’s been one big devastation."
Leek Weddings, an organisation that helps terminally ill people get married, worked with the hospice to pull out all the stops to make sure Ann and Keith managed to have their wedding day.
An appeal on social media led to an outpouring of support from well-wishers and local suppliers, who ensured all the wedding essentials - including the dress, flowers, hair and make-up, catering, drinks and the cake - were covered.
"I wish we had got married sooner"Paying tribute to his ‘soulmate’ Keith said “The time we have been married has been absolutely amazing. I’ve loved every single minute of it. She was my soulmate."“She was an amazing mother who would do anything for her kids. Whatever they needed she would help them with it."“She had a fiery personality. She’d do anything for anybody, but when she spoke her mind she was very fiery. I will miss everything about her."“She wants to be cremated and for her ashes to be at home. When I finally pass, my ashes will be put with hers."