A WIRRAL bride is on “cloud nine” after generous fundraisers helped her to make her terminally ill mum’s dying wish come true.
When Pauline Gibbons, 65, was diagnosed with inoperable oesophageal cancer, she told daughter Mandi she had just one wish – to see her marry partner Neil Fisher in the white wedding she never had.
That dream became a reality on Friday when Mandi and Neil, from Leasowe, were finally able to tie the knot thanks to dozens of donations from well-wishers, including a wedding dress, flowers, cake and photography.
The wedding took place at St Oswald’s Church in Bidston and 23-year-old Mandi said she couldn’t be happier.
“I literally cannot believe we have done it – I have never been so happy,” said Mandi.
“Mum was so emotional but in a good way. I wanted to see her happy when I walked down the aisle singing and when I spotted her and my sister crying, I had to stop myself from crying.
“At that moment, I knew I had made my mum’s dream come true.
“I got to marry my everything and give my mum the proudest day of her life. I love her, she’s my best friend.”
Pauline Gibbons and daughter Mandi Fisher.
Offers of help came flooding in from an online fundraising page – set up by singer and bingo caller Mandi - including the loan of a wedding dress, flowers, a cake and make-up for Mandi and Pauline on the big day.
After weeks of fundraising, just £600 stood between them and their dreams until staff at Tesco in Bidston Moss decided they too wanted to do their bit to help.
Community champion Debbie Layfield organised a car boot sale in Pauline’s honour, raising an impressive £750 – more than enough to make the wedding a reality.
Newlyweds Mandi and Neil Fisher with their children and parents.
Mandi said: “Thanks to everyone for making my mum’s biggest wish come true and our wish too – we got to marry and make my mum’s wish a reality.
“I can’t stop saying to my mum that we’ve done, we’ve done it. Thank you so much.”
Mandi and Neil have been together for eight years and have children Ruby, one, and Lucas, three.
Their first daughter Scarlett Rose was stillborn in September 2010, with the wedding featuring a rose cake made especially in her memory.
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