A BRIDE diagnosed with terminal cancer fulfilled her dying wish of marrying the love of her life surrounded by her family.

Nurses and staff at Poole Hospital helped transform a cancer ward into a magical wedding venue so Samantha Lockyer could be wheeled up the aisle to wed Matthew Hampson.

The 40-year-old mother-of-six, from West Howe, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last year.

She underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy but she was admitted to hospital last week after her condition had rapidly deteriorated.

It was from her hospital bed, she decided to ask Matthew to marry her following years of turning down his proposals.

Within days, Samantha, who worked at Argos, in Bournemouth, organised the wedding to give her family the opportunity to celebrate together.

Hospital staff ensured the event went smoothly with the registrar booked for the moving ceremony at 4pm on Tuesday. They transformed the hospital's Durlston Ward day room into a space fit for a wedding with balloons, banners and flowers.

Dressed in a white gown and sparkling tiara and her wheelchair decorated in white fabric, Samantha said her vows in front of the couple's six children – Dylan, five, Owen, 13, Madison, 15, Alisha, 16, Sian, 23 and Michael, 24.

Samantha, said: “It is my last wish. I never thought I would get married. Everyone is amazing to make this happen.”

Holding his new wife's hand, Matthew, 49, who worked as a bricklayer, added: “I’m really made up. I feel so happy. I’ve wanted to marry her for years and years.

“We met at my birthday party and we’ve been together ever since. We could have married years ago but there was never a doubt that we wouldn’t be together forever.

“I feel complete now and happy there will be no regrets.”

Close friends and family toasted the couple before they cut a chocolate wedding cake and listened to music in the hospital garden.

Samantha’s daughter Sian, added: “Mum is the bravest and strongest person I know and I will always look up to her for that.”

Poole Hospital oncology social worker Carol Baker helped make Samantha's wishes possible.

She said: “It’s really important we do what we can to facilitate what any family’s wishes are and Samantha’s wish was to marry Matthew.

“It was an honour to be part of it.”