Making memories
Newlywed Kayleigh Williams made her special day even more memorable by having Severn Hospice favours in memory of her husband’s grandad who we cared for.
Kayleigh and Chris Williams, both 35, finally tied the knot earlier this year – six years after George Williams, 78, received loving care at our Apley hospice in Telford.
As a thank you, they have been raising funds for us ever since.
The couple, who are originally from Telford and now live in Cornwall, have taken part in many fundraising events and Kayleigh has organised bake sales – raising more than £7,000.
Kayleigh describes her latest fundraiser as extremely special and one that made her big day even more memorable.
Their guests received lottery wedding favours which contribute towards the care of other families living with incurable illness.
Giving back
Kayleigh, formerly Butcher, said: “The reason we chose Severn Hospice is because of what they did for us as a family. I could never raise enough money to say thank you for the way everyone was treated.
“Raising a small amount of money is nothing compared to what the hospice did in those few days when grandad was here. I’ve said it a hundred times and I’ll say it again, everyone at the hospice is absolutely amazing and we couldn’t be more thankful for how comfortable they made Grandad feel.
“The lottery wedding favours are a small and easy way of helping the hospice and it’s great for our guests too – everyone stood a chance of winning £2,000 in the hospice’s lottery.
“On the day, everyone absolutely loved them; they were over the moon that winning money could be involved but the main thing that really mattered was that we were supporting the charity that helped grandad and us.
“Chris was so close with his grandad George; he pretty much raised him and knowing he couldn’t be there was the worst thing so it was lovely that we could honour him and give back at the same time.”
Third time lucky
The couple, who have known each other since they were 16 and have a young son named after George, planned to marry on the 4th of April 2020 – a day before their 10th anniversary. But when the pandemic forced the country into a national lockdown in March, their wedding was postponed three times.
They at last wed at the Valley Hotel, Ironbridge on 1 April this year, with Kayleigh saying, “It was brilliant. I can’t believe it’s happened; it feels very surreal after so many cancellations. It was the third time lucky, but we got there.
“We travelled 300 miles from where we live in Hayle near St Ives, Cornwall, and got married at 11am. It was the longest day ever, but it also went so quickly. I felt a huge sense of long-awaited relief and there were many tears because everything and everyone had finally come together.”
As a tribute to George, an acoustic version of his favourite team Liverpool’s anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone, played in the background as they walked in.
Kayleigh said: “We got married in Ironbridge because it was grandad’s favourite place. He loved Dale End Park, that’s where he used to take his girls when they were younger, and it means a lot to my husband Chris as well.”
Severn Hospice’s comforting care
George died on the 11th of January 2016 surrounded by his wife Kath and four daughters. His room overlooked our award-winning gardens – a view which Kayleigh said made the keen gardener feel at home – and gave the family precious time together.
Describing her first visit to the hospice, she said: “I knew as soon as I walked in, there was something really special and grandad knew it too. The staff just made us all feel like it was home from home.
“He often said he was happy and quite comfortable and the view out onto the garden really helped; grandad loved gardening.
“There were 15 of us altogether and everyone was made to feel at home, from every single member of staff. We were in and out of the hospice constantly, and the nurses and staff adapted to each person and their needs, supporting us when we needed it or just letting us get on with it if that was right. It was lovely and accommodating and made such a difference.”
Thank you and good luck
Our Head of Lottery, Karen Swindells, said: “We wish Kayleigh and Chris, the very best for the future and thank them for wanting to think of us on their special day.
“It’s little things like this that can make the biggest difference to our patients and their loved ones, and my team enjoy being part of that.
“Our lottery wedding favours are a great way for lucky-in-love couples to say thank you to their guests; and you never know, they may spread some of that luck as each ticket bought has a chance to win a top prize of £2,000.”
The charity offers two types of wedding favours which can be personalised. Couples can choose from a lottery ticket, which gives the recipient at least 43 chances of winning, or a limited-edition Severn Hospice limited edition pin badge.
Our favours range includes lottery tickets and limited-edition pin badges, to find out more click here.
