“The hospice arranged our perfect wedding. It was joyous.”

Julie and I were neighbours. We'd stop and say a quick hello on the path. Then one day we got chatting and I invited her out for a meal. That was nearly six years ago. We've been together ever since.

We'd been discussing marriage for ages. Then in February I found out that I have terminal cancer. After the diagnosis getting married felt so important. I love Julie and I want to do everything possible to protect her, and to make sure she is secure financially. I wanted to tie up loose ends.

In June I came into the hospice to manage my pain. Thanks to the care and dedication of the staff, I started feeling comfortable and peaceful again. The chaplain, Carol, helped me realise I could still have some life and some normality, and the idea of getting married at the hospice came up.

I couldn't believe the hospice team could do this for us, but in just a few days they organised our perfect wedding. Everyone went above and beyond. It was such a special, intimate and joyous occasion – and one we'll never forget.

The chef made a gorgeous cake and sandwiches. The room was decorated beautifully. And a professional photographer offered his time for free. The nurses and some of the other patients were watching on and threw confetti. We felt like total stars. I even managed to stand to say my vows, which I so wanted to do for Julie. I felt so emotional and so proud.

I used to think a hospice was somewhere you come to die, but Marie Curie has let me see that it's not over yet. Thank you is not enough. The team is so supportive, understanding and knowledgeable. They have a gift, and they are a gift.

For me, I got to marry the woman I love, surrounded by our closest family and friends, and with our extended hospice family too. Now, with the care and support Marie Curie continues to give us all, I'm determined to embrace life – with Julie – while I can.

Part of my role is helping people to make memories and experience and enjoy the things they can. I've celebrated eight weddings in my four years here. And being a part of each has been a huge privilege.

For someone living with a terminal illness, and those closest to them, a wedding is a moment to enjoy together, away from everything that's happening. They can focus on the person they love and celebrate that love with dignity. And they can just be themself, rather than being defined by their illness. It gives them some normality and control at a time when it often feels like they have none.

John and Julie's wedding was wonderful. Getting married was very important to John, and when he was admitted to the hospice, he thought they'd missed the chance. We were able to say: 'You can still have your wedding and we can still make it special for you'. He was absolutely delighted. He and Julie were so excited and positive.

I was so touched by John's determination to stand when Julie walked into the room and for their vows. Despite this being very difficult due to his illness, he saw it as a way of showing his love and respect.

As chaplain I'm responsible for the spiritual care of all our patients. So, whether they have a faith or religion or not, I'm here to provide social and emotional support, alongside their clinical care.

I meet every patient when they come in. And I try and visit every week if they're happy with that. People generally want to talk. I help them to direct the conversation. They might share anxieties or concerns they find it hard to talk to loved ones about. Or they might want to reflect on what really matters to them, what makes them happy, what they are fearful of. We talk about anything and everything, from cats and dogs to life after death.

So many of those conversations are powerful and positive and just so full of love. Spending that time with them, being part of that journey is very special. Living with a terminal illness does often lead people to focus on what's most important to them. And that sometimes includes getting married.

My work is about bringing people peace. If we can do anything to bring three things – hope, joy and peace – then we're doing a pretty good job.

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