Ward 17 was the setting for the wedding of former HRI nurse Christine Crabtree and Gordon Howell - 67 years after they first met!

Staff made hasty bunting from post-its and arranged a buffet.  A registrar  was called to lead  the ceremony watched by the couple's friends and staff yesterday followed by a blessing by our chaplain George Spencer.

Healthcare assistant Harriet Thorpe, found the Wedding March on her phone to accompany Christine's arrival on the arm of our chaplain. Christine was a former nurse and nurse tutor at HRI for 27 years.

Sister Rachel Justice, said the couple had been thrilled with everything the ward had laid on for them. She said: " They were so pleased and so surprised. At one point they were both crying and everyone was emotional. It was all at short notice but it was a pleasure for the team to make it special for them both."

The couple, both 82,  first met as students at Huddersfield Techincal College in 1950. Christine, then a nursery nurse student,  recalls their very first  encounter and words. She said: " Gordon was an arts student and we met in a corridor. He said to me:  "Hi Sugar" and I said: Hi, Plum!"

They went their separate ways yet reunited 32 years ago and now live in Stocksmoor.  The couple had been planning the wedding but brought it forward after Gordon came into hospital.

We wish them every happiness!