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Bridegroom Paul says "Phew! I do"
A WADDINGTON couple's wedding was almost scuppered when the bridegroom was struck down with a medical emergency with just hours to go.
And it wasn't doctors who saved the day, but quick-thinking staff at a building society!
Paul Whitney and Kathleen Healey, of Regent Street, Waddington, were due to marry at Clitheroe Register Office on Saturday, but as they made their final arrangements something happened which threatened to pull the rug from under their wedding plans.
On Friday afternoon, with just hours to go until their big day, the couple were in the Blackburn branch of the Skipton Building Society when Paul was suddenly immobilised with excruciating pains and a severe shortage of breath. He had suffered an identical attack just days before and, following an overnight stay in hospital, was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.
Paul (58) knew if he could regulate the situation quicky with medication he should be fine. But he had no medication with him and an emergency 999 call would have meant him being rushed by ambulance to Royal Blackburn Hospital and almost certainly kept in for observation and tests.
After months of planning, the following morning's wedding would have to be cancelled – and that was an investment the building society staff were keen to protect. Swinging into action, the team from the SBS were more like the SAS!
Taking advice from bridegroom Paul, customer adviser Michelle Riddehough raced off down the street to the nearest pharmacy and queue-jumped to get the necessary pain-management medication.
Meanwhile financial advisor Wesley Seale hurried away with Paul's fiance, Kathleen (53), to find the couple's car – even though she could barely remember where it was parked in all the panic!
Back at the King William Street branch, mortgage advisor Paula Hall and branch manager Joanne Southorn kept the stricken patient comfortable until the cavalry arrived. Once the medication started to work the pain began to receed, Paul's breathing pattern returned to normal and an emergency situation was avoided.
With Paul recovered and back on his feet, the couple, who both work at Whitney Woods Ltd, in Rawtenstall, were able to continue with their plans and were married the next morning in Clitheroe. Witnesses were close friends Mrs Carol Tighe and Mr Stephen Hocking, and also in attendance were the bride's daughters, Laura and Melissa. The wedding was followed by a quiet reception at Mitton Hall, in Whalley.
A check-up with his own doctor confirmed that if Paul had been unable to regulate the attack, he would almost certainly have ended up in hospital and missed his wedding day.
Unfortunately he and Kathleen had already had to cancel their planned honeymoon in Spain after Paul's disagnosis made it impossible for him to fly, but after all the excitement the newlyweds are happy to enjoy a relaxing honeymoon at home in the sunny Ribble Valley.
Our picture shows Paul and Kathleen on their wedding day.
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Weather for Clitheroe
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
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Cloudy
Temperature: -2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
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