TEARS of joy mingled with music as the delicate bride was wheeled down the aisle.

Courageous cancer patient Lesley Walsh, 46, dreamed of a white wedding - but feared she was running out of time.

Her fianc Graham May, 42, yearned to make her wish come true.

With help from staff at Halton Haven, he managed to get a special licence - and the ceremony was arranged at the hospice in just two days.

Lesley, of Megavissey Road, Brookvale, who is now bedridden, said: "My dress was beautiful. It was a lovely day."

Graham, of Penketh Court, Runcorn, said: "The staff did everything. It was brilliant. There were balloons and flowers everywhere."

Their favourite song, You're Still The One by Shania Twain played as they signed the register, beneath a heart shaped balloon tree.

Lesley's daughter, Becky, 19, was chief bridesmaid with Graham's daughter, Charlotte, 13 and her neice, Beth, eight. Her son Jimmy, 25, gave her away whilst her nephew, Steven 11, was page boy. Graham's son, Dominic, 17, was best man.

Her mum, Anne and brothers Malcolm, 51 and John, 39, shared her special day.

Her sister, Jane Jones, 43, who rushed out to buy the bridal dresses and shoes, said: "Lesley was so happy. We thought we would all find it difficult but it was wonderful, just brilliant from start to finish."

They carried Lesley over the threshold in her wheelchair so she could spend her wedding night at home.

"Lesley is now so ill, we didn't think we'd have time," said Graham, an instrument engineer at Shell, Stanlow. "We both wish we'd met and got married a long time ago.

"She doesn't deserve what has happened to her. She is such a lovely person. It's tragic. You never think it's going to happen to someone so young.

"She has been supporting the Haven lottery for the past year, never thinking she'd need to come here."

Lesley only became ill last summer and is now clinging on for the birth of her first grandchild.

"Her daughter, Becky is expecting a baby girl," said Graham. "It is keeping Lesley going.

"She is really settled and happy at the Haven.

"It is so lovely, relaxed and calm. Lesley loves it here. The staff can't do enough for us.

"I would like to thank them all for making our dream come true."

Margaret Dandy, chief executive, said: "We were glad to be able to help. Everyone pulled out all the stops. It was a lovely sunny day so the guests were able to enjoy the garden."

Pictured: Newlyweds Lesley and Graham May with their families outside Halton Haven on Saturday after their special ceremony