A couple whose register office wedding had to be cancelled instead tied the knot in an emotional ceremony at home a week later – thanks to hospice staff that are caring for the bridegroom.

Terry Golding, who has terminal esophageal cancer, was due to marry his partner of nine years – Samantha Shepherd – at Keighley Register Office.

But their big day was scuppered when ceremonies were called off owing to the coronavirus restrictions.

When staff at Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands heard what had happened, they rallied round and arranged for the couple to get married in their own Ingrow home.

A special marriage licence was applied for and obtained from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

And the Rev Tracey Raistrick – interim priest in charge at St John's Church, Ingrow – led the ceremony.

The moving nuptials were performed in front of Sam's daughter, Emily, and Terry's daughters – Nicola and Sophie – and family members and close friends were able to watch proceedings via Skype.

"It was amazing that even though we are in lockdown it was actually possible to get married," said Sam, 40.

"The service by the reverend was brilliant – it was very emotional and everyone had a tear in their eye."

She and Terry, 55, who met while working at a care home, both wore jeans for the ceremony so that he was as comfortable as possible.

The room was decorated with silver balloons and the happy couple celebrated with a glass of fizz.

Terry was diagnosed with terminal cancer in July last year, and is currently being cared for at home by Sue Ryder nurses from Manorlands.

Liz Maitland, the Manorlands chaplain, said: "Being there for our patients is an important part of what we do.

"It was a huge privilege to organise Sam and Terry’s marriage at their home and make it such a special day for them."

Sam said she and her husband wanted to add a special 'thank you' to clinical nurse specialist, Karen McKernan, for organising a wedding cake and helping with an urgent medical need which arose on the morning of the ceremony.

"Her action meant we didn't have to postpone the ceremony," said Sam.

"This has brought us a lot of happiness in what is a very difficult time."

For the Rev Raistrick, it was the first time she had conducted a wedding ceremony in someone's home.

And she said it was "a real honour" to lead the service.

"It was very special for Sam and Terry and a genuinely profound moment," she added.