A WEDDING couple relying on the generosity of strangers to hold their wedding are getting closer to being able to set a date for their big day.

Simon Winters and Julie Willoughby were inundated with offers of help after being forced to rush their wedding to have Miss Willoughby’s father, who is suffering from cancer, walk her down the aisle.

Mr Winters, 37, a freelance chef said: “We’re still not finalised on everything, but we’re nearly there on a date.

“It should be in the next 17 days.”

The Upper Heyford couple have already had to move their big day – originally set for July 12 – after Mr Winters’ brother, Paul, died aged 33 in a car crash in May.

They delayed the wedding until December, but have had to move it forward again to ensure that Mr Willoughby, 71, from Kidlington, is well enough to walk the bride down the aisle.

Miss Willoughby, 35, who is a service assistant at St Edward’s School, Summertown, said: “It’s just awful. It’s heart-breaking to know that the person that’s been there for you all your life is going to be gone.”

The Oxford Mail reported how a plea on Facebook saw the family inundated with offers of help from around the county.

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