EdEden Valley Hospice & The Jigsaw Children’s Hospice are local hospices providing incredible care and attention to their patients in times of need, all under the same roof. Over the years, I have known people who have worked and continue to work at this amazing place, as well as friends who have been cared for by the Eden Valley Hospice team. So, when the phone rang asking if I could photograph a wedding at the hospice, there was no hesitation—I said yes.
A Love Story Spanning Nearly 30 Years
Neil Wallace and Julie Clarke had been together for nearly 30 years before they married in Eden Valley Hospice in the summer of 2022. Julie was approaching the end of her life due to a rapidly advancing brain tumour, and one of her dying wishes was to marry Neil. Surrounded by their two daughters, loving family, and close friends, they tied the knot in an intimate and deeply moving ceremony at the hospice, where Julie was being cared for.
Neil and Julie had always dreamed of living in Cumbria, so when Neil was offered a job at the Cumberland Infirmary, they decided to relocate to Carlisle. Both prosthetists—specialists in making artificial body parts—they navigated life together, raising their daughters, Sarah and Emma, whom they had adopted as infants. Life was full of love and adventure until, in 2020, Julie began experiencing dizziness and sickness. Although an initial brain scan revealed a lump, it was deemed insignificant. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated over the following two years, and by the time a more serious diagnosis was made, the tumour had spread rapidly. Julie became too unwell to be cared for at home, leading to her admission to Eden Valley Hospice in July 2022.
Making a Dream Wedding a Reality
The hospice team worked tirelessly to make Julie’s wedding wish a reality. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and volunteers, the ceremony came together beautifully in just five days. Carol’s Bridal Boutique gifted Julie’s wedding dress, while Goodfellows Menswear provided Neil’s suit. Vandella Flowers and Linda’s Flowers adorned the room with stunning floral arrangements, and contributions from Morrisons Carlisle and Hobbycraft added the perfect finishing touches. With the support of Susan Slater from the Cumbrian Registration Service, the ceremony was heartfelt and deeply personal.
A Turning Point for the Family
Sarah and Emma stood as bridesmaids, and for them, the wedding was a profound turning point. Neil shared that the day provided comfort and reassurance to his daughters, helping them navigate their fears about losing their mother and the uncertainty that lay ahead. “The wedding was the first time our whole family was together in the same room, with some of our closest friends and the hospice’s family support team. The girls were able to look around them and believe me when I told them, ‘It’s going to be OK.’”
Capturing a Day Filled with Love
As a photographer, it was an honour to capture the emotions of the day. The love in the room was tangible—laughter, tears, and cherished moments that will live on in the memories of those who attended. Julie and Neil’s bond was evident in every glance, every touch, and every smile they shared.
The Unwavering Care of Eden Valley Hospice
Neil spoke of his gratitude to the hospice, saying, “The problem with Eden Valley Hospice is: How do you thank these people for everything they do? It’s overwhelming. I had a picture in my head of what the hospice would be like—an old, red-brick Victorian building, cold and unwelcoming—but it couldn’t have been further from the truth. The care, the empathy, the way they looked after not just Julie but all of us—it was incredible.”
A Special Thanks to Those Who Made It Possible
I would like to extend my thanks to the wonderful people and businesses who helped make this day possible:
- Carol’s Bridal Boutique – wedding dress
- Goodfellows Carlisle – suit
- Vandella Flowers Carlisle – bouquets and buttonholes
- Linda’s Flowers Denton Holme – flowers to decorate the room
- Morrisons Carlisle – flowers for the table, bubbly, balloons, and decorations
- St Nicholas Galleries Ltd – groom’s wedding ring
- Susan Slater – registrar from the Cumbrian Registration Service
- Hobbycraft – table decorations, guestbook jar, ribbon, confetti
Support Eden Valley Hospice
If you would like to learn more about Eden Valley Hospice and the invaluable work they do, or if you’d like to donate your time or money to support their incredible efforts, please visit their website: https://www.edenvalleyhospice.org/. Your support can help ensure that more families receive the compassionate care and dignity they deserve in life’s most difficult moments.
