Wedding for woman who doesn't know how long she has left to live

Mother-of-four Ann was diagnosed with cervical cancer two months ago after a routine smear test - and then received the shock news that doctors could do nothing to treat it.

The couple, who have been engaged for 11 years, have since been frantically making arrangements for their wedding, which was taking place at Ellesmere Methodist Chapel this afternoon.

Ann, 32, found out she had cervical cancer after she, Nigel and her four children Megan, 14, Curtis, 13, Kian, 11, and Thomas, eight, had moved into a new house in Brywn View after living in St Martins.

She said: "When we moved into the new house I had to go for a routine smear test to register at Ellesmere doctors surgery.

"I had been experiencing some abnormal bleeding, but thought had been due to the stress of the move.

"The doctors referred me straight to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital after my results came back abnormal.

"I saw a consultant who did a biopsy and told me that I had cervical cancer, but that it was treatable.

"Two weeks later I saw another consultant who told me the cancer was in fact stage four and that it was untreatable.

"When he was sat there telling me his words didn't really sink in, it was only after when I saw the oncology nurse I really realised what he had said.

"I was devastated, mainly for Nigel and my kids, I couldn't believe it.

"One of the hardest things was for me and Nigel to sit and telling the children. We sat them on the sofa and told them I had cancer. They have all reacted differently but they took it hard.

"The doctors haven't been able to give me a time of how long I have left and to be honest I would rather not know.

"I just live each day like it is my last, giving my family and kids lots of love and cuddles."

When they found out the diagnosis Ann and Nigel decided it was finally time after being together for 12 years, 11 of which they have been engaged for.

The couple met after a night out in Oswestry in 2002 and after a exchanging text messages the following morning they have been in love ever since.

Miss Woodmass, who was until recently a dinner lady at Ellesmere Primary School, said: "We have been engaged a long time, but it has never seemed the right time for us to get married and never looked like happening. With the children and moving and expense it looked like the day would never come.

"At the moment I only feel really poorly when I have chemotherapy, but apart from that I feel myself and as normal as I'll ever be so I wanted to get married while I was in this state, not when I was really ill."

Despite not knowing how long she has left to live, Ann just tries to forget the fact she has cancer the best she can.

She said: "I have moments when I just sit on my bed and cry and ask 'why me?'.

"But you have to get on with it and carry on as normal, and I keep myself busy and occupied to stop myself thinking about it."

Mr Woodmass, 39, said he has struggled to come to terms with the news.

He said: "When we were told I just burst out crying. It is really hard to accept and I'm not sure I have fully accepted it.

"We just get on with life as much as we can, that's our way of dealing with it.

"We are just making the most of each day together.

"I don't know what will happen in the future but when the time comes I don't want to be my own, it's going to be hard.

"But we have a lot of family who will help out and rally around."

Mother-of-the-bride Irene Francis, 57, said she was excited for her daughter and future son-in-law ahead of their wedding day.

She said: "I'm so excited for them.

"We never thought they would ever get around to it but I am sure glad they are doing it now, they are a great couple and great parents and they deserve this wedding.

"When I found out about Ann I was devastated. You never expect to lose your child, and although we don't know how long she has got she could go before me.

"But we just try and be as positive as Ann is, she has been so brave.

"I hope the wedding is exactly how they want it to be."

The wedding was taking place at Ellesmere Methodist Chapel this afternoon with only close family and friends invited.