Twenty-three-year-old Stephen Addley, a binman in Dover, fulfilled his last wish—he married Hannah, holding their one-year-old daughter, Liberty-Rose, by his side. The day became an incredibly touching moment when Stephen’s colleagues at Veolia arranged a surprise convoy of garbage trucks to escort him to the ceremony. Stephen broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the care and warmth shown by his friends and colleagues. Hannah recalls seeing his emotions and knowing this day would be truly unforgettable for both of them.
The wedding became a race against time. Just three weeks after the proposal, Stephen received devastating news: the rare, aggressive sarcoma he had already been fighting had returned and spread to his intestines. The underlying condition, neurofibromatosis type 1, had accelerated the cancer’s progression, and doctors announced that treatment could no longer halt the disease. Realizing that every moment together was precious, the family decided to do everything possible to make this day filled with love and happiness.
The local Dover community rallied to make the wedding a dream. Hannah’s dress was donated, the venue—Bluebirds Restaurant on Snargat Street—was decorated with love and care, and photographer Matt Hayward and other professionals donated their services. Hannah admitted that words cannot express her gratitude to everyone who helped make the day special. Thanks to their efforts, the family was able to cherish moments of joy and love despite the difficult circumstances.
But the joy was mingled with bittersweetness: Stephen’s condition continued to deteriorate. A fundraising campaign was launched to send the family to Disneyland, but his illness made the trip impossible. Stephen painfully admitted that the hardest thing for him was the realization that he wouldn’t see Liberty Rose grow up. This emotional burden only enhanced the value of every moment they spent together.
Hannah that assured all remaining funds would be used for her daughter’s future, so that Stephen’s love and legacy would remain with Liberty-Rose forever. The wedding day gave the family not only precious memories but also a sense of unity, support, and warmth that Hannah will be able to pass on to her daughter for the rest of her life.
Stephen and Hannah’s story is a touching reminder of the power of love, community, and how every moment and every act of caring matters, especially in the face of inevitable tragedy.
