Couple get married in St Helier’s intensive care unit
A couple who tied the knot in an emotional wedding ceremony in hospital say they were made to feel like “king and queen for the day”.
Lai Shang Wong – who is better known as Mandy – married her partner Ringo in St Helier Hospital’s intensive care (ITU) yesterday.
The couple were joined by close family and friends, as well as the staff who have cared for Mandy since she was admitted to the unit several weeks ago.
Speaking afterwards, Ringo said: “Thank you to all the staff in St Helier ITU for making our wedding ceremony very auspicious and a memorable day for us.”
Mandy was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2015, and is receiving palliative care at St Helier.
She and Ringo decided just this week to get married, and intensive care staff rallied round to give them the ceremony they deserved.
Mandy’s bedside was decorated with balloons and flowers, and the couple cut a special cake together shortly after they became husband and wife. Staff also gave the newlyweds a gift and card, which thanked Mandy and Ringo for sharing the day with them.
Jessica Gregory, an intensive care Senior Sister, said: “It’s a rare occurrence to have a wedding on intensive care. Meena, Mandy’s nurse for the day, helped Mandy get ready by doing her hair and makeup, and Ashmita, our Critical Care Assistant, prepared a two-tier wedding cake and decorated her room.
“The ITU doctors and nurses then became guests at Mandy and Ringo’s wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and we felt so privileged to be a part of this special day.”
