Emotions ran high as the 41-year-old mum married long-time love Reynaldo Serrant in the day room at Cookridge Hospital in Leeds, yesterday.

The only sign she was any different to any other happy bride was the morphine she carried in her hand.

Yesterday's ceremony had been hastily arranged after Bernetta was diagnosed as having a tumour on her spine which cannot be cured.

Friends and family packed into the specially-decorated hospital room and the champagne was on stand-by as the couple, from Holme Wood, celebrated their special day, pictured.

Tears flowed as she walked in, refusing the offer of a wheelchair. Sitting side by side, as she was too frail to stand, they exchanged rings and made their vows, with Bernetta barely audible through her breathlessness.

Tears flowed again as the couple poignantly said the words: "I will love you when it is easy and love you when it is difficult, whether rich or poor, strong or weak. I will love you till death parts us."

Afterwards, an elated Bernetta said: "This is all I have ever wanted. I am so happy. Every day I spend with Reynaldo is like the first day I met him. Nothing has changed.

"When we met at a social club we started talking and just clicked and became friends, then went on from there.

"I was determined to walk in here. I did not want to come in in a wheelchair."

And Reynaldo added: "I feel so happy for Bernetta. I thought she looked stunning and showed so much courage to walk."

Registrar Mrs Jean Lee conducted the ceremony, arranged by special licence, and the tune Dilemma by Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland accompanied the bride's entrance.

She said: "It is a unique process and I am very glad to have been able to help."

Hospital staff helped to decorate her hair with flowers and do her nails and had even loaned her the stunning cream beaded gown for the occasion.

Bernetta was first diagnosed with cancer in her lung last April. She had half a lung removed but a later scan revealed a tumour on her spine. Treatment to diminish it is due to finish soon when she be will be assessed about how much time she has left.

Her parents Pat and Ernest Warner watched with tears in their eyes and Mrs Warner said: "This is my daughter's dream come true."