Newlyweds who tie the knot after groom's cancer diagnosis thank everyone who made dream wedding come true

WORDS cannot explain how thankful we are to everyone who made our dream wedding come true.
Darren and Lisa. Picture by Malcolm WellsDarren and Lisa. Picture by Malcolm Wells
Darren and Lisa. Picture by Malcolm Wells

That was the loving message from newlyweds Darren Randall and Lisa Cammerer, now Randall.

The couple, from Southsea, celebrated their love for each other in an emotional ceremony and reception yesterday.

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The day had extra significance for the couple who had to bring their wedding forward when Darren, 39, was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Darren and Lisa, the happy couple. Picture by Malcolm WellsDarren and Lisa, the happy couple. Picture by Malcolm Wells
Darren and Lisa, the happy couple. Picture by Malcolm Wells

They were told it was stage four bowel cancer and doctors were not sure how long he had left.

So family, friends and businesses from the Portsmouth area got together to give the couple a wedding they will always remember.

Speaking of how much the day meant to him, a teary Darren said: ‘Words cannot describe how it feels to have married Lisa.

‘The whole day has been really emotional.’

Darren and Lisa with some of the guests outside the Milton Arms where they had their reception. Picture by Malcolm WellsDarren and Lisa with some of the guests outside the Milton Arms where they had their reception. Picture by Malcolm Wells
Darren and Lisa with some of the guests outside the Milton Arms where they had their reception. Picture by Malcolm Wells
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Lisa, 44, added: ‘We want to thank everyone who helped make this wedding happen. Thank you for making our dreams come true.

‘Without people’s help we wouldn’t have got married.

‘It is hard to think of words to express how grateful we are. I have been through every emotion possible, it has been a really lovely day.’

Darren and Lisa were planning to get married in a couple of years but when they got the devastating news that Darren’s cancer was severe, they wanted to make sure they could tie the knot.

Darren and Lisa seal their vows with a kiss. Picture by Malcom WellsDarren and Lisa seal their vows with a kiss. Picture by Malcom Wells
Darren and Lisa seal their vows with a kiss. Picture by Malcom Wells

They brought the date forward and people stepped in to make it happen.

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The ceremony took place at Havant Plaza in front of close family and friends with Lisa walked down the aisle in her stunning white dress by two of her sons.

Many of the guests, including the bride herself, shed a tear as the couple took their vows and exchanged rings.

Then the wedding party headed to the Milton Arms, in Milton, to celebrate. The pub gave their venue for free with others giving their cake-making skills and services for free.

Darren and Lisa, the happy couple. Picture by Malcolm WellsDarren and Lisa, the happy couple. Picture by Malcolm Wells
Darren and Lisa, the happy couple. Picture by Malcolm Wells

Darren added: ‘The small businesses who got involved for the wedding have been amazing.

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‘There aren’t enough words to say how thankful Lisa and I are to everyone.

‘It has restored my faith in humanity that people were so willing to help us.

‘The whole thing has been a whirlwind.’

Everyone who helped make the day special

WHEN Southsea couple Darren Randall and Lisa Cammerer had to bring their wedding forward, a number of people and businesses stepped in to offer their services for free.

Darren and Lisa with some of the guests outside the Milton Arms where they had their reception. Picture by Malcolm WellsDarren and Lisa with some of the guests outside the Milton Arms where they had their reception. Picture by Malcolm Wells
Darren and Lisa with some of the guests outside the Milton Arms where they had their reception. Picture by Malcolm Wells

They included:

he News - photography.

Jayne and Colin Nash from the Milton Arms - reception venue.

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Mike Tattersall from MT Executive Wedding Car Hire - car hire.

Alan ‘Taz’ King - wedding car driver.

Kevin Willcox - chef.

Hazel and Paul Dickinson - prepared food.

JC Brides and Grooms - wedding dress and suits.

Clare Nixon - reception decorations.

Fratton Tesco - Prosecco.

Chris Reed from CJR Photography - photography.

Syreeta Earley - cake.

Jayne, from the Milton Arms, in Milton, said: ‘We saw on Facebook about the couple’s need for a venue so offered the pub.

‘We got in touch with other people about the dress, decorations and food and everyone we asked offered to help.

‘People said yes straight away, it was amazing to see so many involved to make this day special.’

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