Newlyweds Becky and Ben Kings were given a surprise by family and guests as a special way to remember the couple’s loved ones who couldn’t be with them.
The pair, who are living in Warndon Villages, Worcester, tied the knot at St Peter’s Church, Pirton which was followed by the reception at the Wood Norton Hotel, Evesham.
Becky, 25, had chosen to remember her late father and Ben, 29, his nan and grandad, with a memory table displaying photos and candles at the reception. Becky also had a photo of her dad, Kevin Barson, attached to her wedding bouquet.
Mr Barson, died aged just 47 after living with motor neurone disease for six years. During that time he and his wife Sarah and children Becky, Joe, Lewis and twins Tyler and Liberty were cared for and supported by St Richard’s Hospice. Becky was given away at her wedding by her brother Joe.
Mrs Kings said, “I had a fantastic day, Joe did a brilliant job and I know dad would be so proud of us all. I had said to mum how I’d like to do something to remember dad at the wedding along with Ben’s nan Margaret Kings and grandad George Wilson. What I didn’t know was that my mum had mentioned it to family and it was actually my eight year old brother Tyler who suggested raising money for us to give to St Richard’s in memory and in celebration of our wedding.”
She added, “So mum got to work after being so touched by Tyler’s idea and set up a secret Facebook page. Tyler and Liberty posted a video and explained why they were fundraising and that they would reveal the secret to us on the wedding day. Everyone was very generous and supportive, they kept sending on their donations to my mum to collect with Tyler and Liberty keeping them all posted on any updates and the total raised.”
Becky’s mum and friends also held a coffee morning in Barbourne to boost the funds and her mother-in law put together a huge sweet basket which was auctioned.
Mrs Kings said, “At the end of the speeches Tyler announcing he had something to tell me and Ben, he explained what they had done and told us they had all raised £340 for us to be able to donate to St Richard’s.
“St Richard’s Hospice is very close to my family’s hearts after all the care and support they provided to us when my dad was ill. The staff were so friendly and supportive to during such a difficult time and gave my dad such an exceptional quality of care, so for that we will always be grateful and continue to support them. “
St Richard’s Hospice Fundraising Director, Tricia Cavell said, “This was such a wonderful way of celebrating Becky and Ben’s wedding and treasuring memories of their loved ones. We are very grateful to the family and their friends for the donations which will help our care of more patients in the future.”
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help them to continue their work.