Saddest and happiest time

While many engaged couples dream of large and elaborate weddings, for Heather McInally and Max Roberts, a simple ceremony at Port Kembla Hospital last Tuesday was the perfect way to celebrate their big day.

With Heather’s mother, Warilla resident Trudy McInally, confined to the hospital due to poor health, the couple decided to celebrate their wedding in the hospital’s garden to give Trudy the chance to be part of the occasion.

Volunteers at the hospital decorated the hospital’s garden with tinsel and flowers, for an intimate ceremony involving about 30 of the couple’s friends, family, other patients, nurses and volunteers.

Sadly, Trudy passed away last Friday, but, according to Max, was happy until the end.

“Trudy used the very last strength she had to really enjoy herself (at the wedding),” he said. “She just had a smile on her face. She was thrilled about the wedding right until she died.”

Max and Heather, who live in northern NSW, wanted to thank the Port Kembla Hospital’s volunteers and nurses for the effort and time they put into organising the event.

“One (volunteer) made a corsage for Heather,” Max said.

“It was beautiful because it was made with love. The day was much more personal (than a big wedding).”

The couple were married by Trudy’s pastor, Brian Pember, from Warilla North Baptist Church.