A couple who were forced to marry at the John Radcliffe hospital when the groom had a serious accident have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

Geoff and Annette Smith, who live in Didcot, were given a special wedding license to tie the knot at the hospital on March 12, 1983.

The couple hadn’t planned to marry there, but when Mr Smith was admitted to the hospital following a serious accident, they decided to change their plans.

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Unwilling to delay their big day until after he was discharged, Mrs Smith decided to bring the date forward.

She made the team responsible for Mr Smith’s care aware of her plans, and they were supportive and swung into action.

Oxford Mail: Geoff and Annette Smith were married in the chapel at the John Radcliffe hospitalGeoff and Annette Smith were married in the chapel at the John Radcliffe hospital (Image: Oxford University Hospitals)

Mr Smith had to get a written note from his consultant which stated he was fully aware of what he was doing, and Mrs Smith had to do the same.

She also had to get a special wedding licence to enable them to get married in the chapel of the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Mrs Smith said: “We are very grateful to have been able to celebrate our special moment at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

“It was a vulnerable time for Geoff, but the wonderful nurses and members of the chaplaincy team made the day beautiful for us as we began our journey to forever.”

After the ceremony, the newlyweds had their reception in the blue area of the hospital where the catering staff provided a buffet.

The excitement continued when Mr Smith was named 'groom of the week' on BBC Radio Oxford.

However, at the end of the day, Mrs Smith had to leave her husband so he could continue to receive care.

“I was unhappy leaving my newlywed husband in hospital on our wedding night tucked in by the nurses,” she said.

“40 years after, we are still outpatients of the JR and we are proud of the excellent care we always receive."

Oxford Mail:

Oxford University Hospitals continue to help those at the end of life, or who cannot be discharged, get married at the hospital.

When a seriously ill patient is not expected to recover, and cannot be moved to a place registered for marriage, a special letter can be sent from their doctor. A ceremony is usually organised after.

For these circumstances, the hospital charity created 12 wedding boxes which are given to the couple.

They contain a ring cushion, champagne flutes, confetti, a beautiful card, garlands, balloons, bunting, and a keepsake box.

Revd Sarah Sewell, lead chaplain of Oxford University Hospitals, said: "It was really touching to hear Annette and Geoff’ s happy memories.

“We do our very best to help patients at their end of life to create those same happy memories.”