Cardiology unit staff help dad celebrate daughter's wedding

A kind-hearted effort from staff at Tameside Hospital meant that a dad who was too unwell to attend his daughter’s wedding was able to celebrate with her on the acute cardiology unit instead.

Leslie Healy from Hattersley was suffering from shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which meant he had to be admitted to the hospital’s acute cardiology unit (ACU). He is currently still undergoing investigations to find the cause of his admission to the unit.

Leslie was admitted shortly before his daughter Sinead was due to marry partner Stephen at the Village Hotel in Hyde. Sadly, Leslie was no longer well enough to attend.

When ACU staff found out about this, they arranged for Sinead to visit the unit in her wedding gown to have a celebration dance as part of the big day, shortly before the wedding itself.

Leslie was also dressed for the day, and enjoyed the first dance with Sinead, together with Mary and other family members.

Leslie’s grandson Maxy was able to walk Sinead down the aisle in his place.

Leslie said “It was a very emotional day for us all, happiness for my daughter Sinead, as well as sadness at not being able to attend. We’re all really grateful for the ACU’s kind efforts in arranging this visit which allowed us to all celebrate together.”

Stephanie Lomas, Tameside and Hospital Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust ACU Ward Manager said; “I am incredibly proud of my team for coming together to facilitate a special father-daughter dance for our patient who was sadly unable to attend his daughter’s wedding. Through their compassion, dedication and commitment, the team helped create a meaningful and emotional moment that allowed the patient to share a treasured experience with his daughter.”