By Marianne Flood
A Derry couple who have had a very difficult year are ending it on a high after renewing their views in front of friends and family on Friday.
Carmel has been happily married to Eugene for 17 years but tragedy struck earlier this year when she was diagnosed with leukemia.
She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and takes almost 30 tablets a day for arthritis, diabetes and neuropathy.
Desperate to life his wife’s spirits and show her how much he loves her Eugene asked her if she would like to renew their wedding vows.
Carmel immediately agreed and the couple planned their big day in a matter of weeks.
She looked radiant as walked down the aisle at Glenbrook House in a cream lace gown and matching bolero last week.
But what her guests did not know was that it was a last minute replacement.
“My dress arrived on Wednesday but it wasn’t the right size so I ordered another one and paid extra for next day delivery,” explained Carmel.
However, after a mix up with the fashion company the dress did not arrive and Carmel was facing every bride’s worst nightmare of having no wedding dress.
“I was so upset. I just couldn’t believe it.
“Thankfully, my hairdresser Janet at Hair Express stepped in and saved the day.
“I had this cream dress already and Janet sewed a petticoat in for me.
“They made me feel so special. Dermott the hairdresser and Ciara the beautician were just so fabulous.
"It seemed like everything was going wrong at the last minute but all the staff were so good to me, they saved the day and are just like one big happy family.
“They just said ‘sit back and let yourself be pampered’.
“And at the end of the day the dress didn’t matter, the most important thing was getting to renew my vows to Eugene.”
Gorgeous
Because the wedding was arranged so hastily many of the couples family and friends were unable to attend.
“My sister Sandra and Eugene’s brother and sisters weren’t able to come but my aunt Eithne was there so that was lovely,” said Carmel.
“The service was gorgeous, we had a fabulous time and it was great that so many people made the effort to celebrate it with us.”
Eugene added: “I would like to thank Carmel for renewing her vows of love and fidelity to me today.
“I would also like to thank Fr Patrick Farren, the Glenbrook House manager Jane Bowen and the housekeeper who stayed on to help with the reception and everyone who attended.”
The couple asked for donations to a local homeless charity in lieu of presents and gifted a record player to the Glenbrook House common room to mark the occasion.
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