A single mom married her platonic best friend to experience wedding bliss for once in her life.
34-year-old Kerry Kenworthy, a doting mother of three children, told her best pal Sian Higgins, 29, that she wanted to wear a wedding dress at least once before she dies.
Last year, Kerry from South Cambridge was informed by her doctors that she only had 12-18 months to live.
“The following day, Sian ‘proposed’ to her best friend, and the pair from Bury St Edmunds began planning their wedding day,” per Daily Mail.
“The pair set a date for Valentine’s Day, where they ‘wed’ at Gamlingay Eco Hub, South Cambridge, with Kerry’s children as well as Sian’s two children present.”
Kerry, a developmental psychologist, has incurable cancer in her spine and has been told by her doctors that she does not have a long life to live.
“Kerry was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2021 after a smear test revealed abnormal cells in her cervix. She underwent two months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy before doctors said she was in remission, and by August 2022, she was given the all-clear.”
In November 2022, Kerry experienced intense chest pains, and after running a few tests, doctors revealed that her cancer had spread into her spine and they could not cure her.
“I was shocked, I thought I had beaten it,” the mum of three said. “I still had so much to do, and the doctors said I had just 12-18 months left.”
“I wouldn’t see my kids get married or even myself. I wanted that special day I had heard so much about and to wear the dress and be the bride. I wanted a day of fairy tales.”
After receiving her test reports, Kerry spoke to her best friend, Sian, and opened up about her diagnosis.
She told her pal that she didn’t have enough time and was disappointed that she would never be able to walk down the aisle in her life.
According to Daily Mail, “After joking around about possibly marrying each other, Sian went over to Kerry’s a week later, and proposed, in January 2023.”
Speaking of her decision to propose to Kerry, Sian said,
“We had met through mutual friends over three years and hit it off. Kerry is kind and funny. We both had kids, so we went to parks and hung out.”
“I know some people might not understand it, but she’s my best friend,” she added. “It felt strange when I’m already married, but friendship is more important.”
She said when she told her husband about Kerry’s cancer and her last wish; he encouraged her to fulfill her best friend’s wish.
“My husband loved it and supported everything, he even helped with the planning. And how to do my tie for the special day.”
The platonic buddies wed on Valentine’s Day.
“On 14 February, the two friends were ‘married’ at Gamlingay Eco Hub, South Cambridge, with all their five children around them.”
“It was magical, and I’m so grateful that I could experience what it’s like to walk down the aisle. We had cake, rings and a first dance. Everything felt truly authentic and I’ve never felt happier,” said Kerry.
“I appreciate everyone that helped out setting up the day and fundraising. I’m not scared about dying, I’m scared about leaving my daughters behind.”
On the wedding day, Sian’s husband was her best man – he ensured everything went smoothly and according to Kerry’s wishes.
“Kerry deserved to have a special day, and I wanted to help her,” she said. “My husband was so supportive, and even helped me with my tie for the day. He was my best man and I got to marry my best friend as well.”
The newlyweds are also planning their honeymoon to have the time of their lives.
According to Daily Mail, Kerry has never been married and shares her three kids with her ex-partner, who will be responsible for the upbringing of their children once she is gone.
“I may not have married a man, but I did marry someone I love. I had everyone who loved me, and that’s all that matters,” Kerry told the outlet. “It was so nerve-wracking, but when we weren’t crying, we were laughing. I felt so beautiful for the first in a long time.”
“Sian promised to look after my daughters in her vows. I could never ask for a better friend, and now my wife!”
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Source: Daily Mail
