A former Bradford student died from a mysterious illness just an hour after marrying his childhood sweetheart.

As his life ebbed away in hospital, Bradford University graduate David Harrhy, 23, tied the knot with Amy Harden.

The moving ceremony was carried out by his dad, Dai Harrhy, a qualified registrar, who realised his son did not have long to live.

Although not legally binding, Miss Harden and their families wanted the couple to be married in some way before he passed away.

In April, fit and healthy Mr Harrhy developed flu-like symptoms and was rushed to hospital when his condition deteriorated. He spent three weeks in intensive care before dying from what doctors believe to be some form of viral infection.

Mr Harrhy proposed to Miss Harden the day before he left for Bradford to study BSC Interactive Systems and Video Games Design, a three-year full time course at the university. Miss Harden, also 23, went to study in neighbouring Leeds.

She said: "He had been on a ventilator for two weeks and so his dad said the vows and answered for David and he said yes'.

"It was beautiful but heartbreaking. It may not be a legal marriage but in my heart it is."

Miss Harden, who had been going out with Mr Harrhy for eight years, said the thought of life without him was unimaginable and terrifying.

Lecturers at Bradford University have paid tribute to Mr Harrhy, who graduated last year.

Peter Excell, professor and Associate Dean for research in the University of Bradford's School of Informatics, said: "I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the untimely death of David Harrhy.

"I supervised his personal project in the final year of his undergraduate course at the university and I was impressed with his dedication and imagination in creating a novel software simulation of an in-car personal computer system. There was a combination of flair and attention to detail which marks out the best students that we see, and he was certainly the best student that I encountered in that year."

Prof Excell said the nature of the project clearly indicated that he exemplified the spirit of the students in the Department of Electronic Imaging and Media Communications, in that they combine creativity and flair with a deeper understanding of technology and a desire to combine it with creative work.

He said: "I am absolutely certain that he would have gone on to be a great designer of integrated intelligent products and, since he had stayed in the Bradford area after graduating, we would have had high hopes that his talents would have contributed to the success of the new digital era in Bradford's development.

"His death is thus tragic both at the personal level and at the levels of technology and the economy. I am deeply saddened and my warmest condolences go out to his family and loved ones."

Miss Harden said: "He was always fit and healthy.

I loved him because of his personality."

She said all the people who had sent condolence cards had mentioned his personality. Mr Harrhy loved the outdoors, walking, basketball, rock climbing, scuba diving and cars.

A humanist celebration of Mr Harrhy's life took place last week before a short committal service at Earlham Crematorium, Norwich.

e-mail: will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk