Tributes paid to woman married in hospice wedding

A woman who married her partner of 33 years in a hurriedly arranged wedding at a hospice in Derbyshire has died.

Karen Glossop, from Eckington, married her husband Stephen on Thursday in an "unforgettable" wedding organised by staff at Ashgate Hospice in seven hours.

The pair had to put their original wedding plans on hold after Karen was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and her health deteriorated.

Her mother, Elsie Sheppard, described Karen as a "wonderful person".

The service had seen hospice's courtyard transformed into a wedding venue to allow Karen, 58, and Stephen, 57, to exchange their vows surrounded by family and friends.

The pair have four children - a son and three daughters - Kym, Luke, Rebecca and Samantha, plus five grandchildren.

Her mother said: "It was devastating to lose her so soon after she got married. We're all grieving. She wanted to get married, so it's nice to know she got to do it.

"Karen was very bubbly and a very honest person. She wanted to help anybody she could - she even brought three of her grandchildren up.

"She was such a lovely person and everybody loved her."

Karen died on Tuesday, less than a week after the wedding.

Elsie said she wanted to thank the "brilliant" team at the hospice, who had received help in setting up the service from local businesses and volunteers.

"She didn't have a nice time in hospital, but when they moved her to Ashgate she got the treatment she needed and they were fantastic," she said.

"I can't praise them enough for what they did for her."

Speaking after the ceremony, Stephen said: "We've been together for 33 years and this wedding has been a long time coming.

"But the day was beautiful and our wedding was so special. I am so grateful to Ashgate for making it happen."

Karen Shepherd, healthcare assistant at Ashgate Hospice, said: "Karen was determined to have her special day, and she really dug deep to make it happen.

"Being there to help her get ready and seeing her marry Stephen was such a privilege.

"It was a beautiful moment, surrounded by so much love, and I feel very grateful that I was able to play a small part in creating those memories for Karen, Stephen and everyone important to them."

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