A Kent woman with a terminal brain tumour has renewed her marriage vows as part of a bucket list surprise organised by her family.
Julie Curran, who has epilepsy, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) after having two seizures in two weeks in July 2023.
Following a debulking surgery and radiotherapy, the 62-year-old is now undergoing a third round of chemotherapy.
Earlier this month (Saturday 13th January), Julie and her husband of 42 years, Pete, were surprised with a vow renewal service attended by 170 guests, including friends they had not seen in 20 years.
Their daughter Jemma Maddock, who helped organise the event, said: “We had the London Community Gospel Choir play at the church, and we hired a steel kettledrum band, both of which were also on Mum’s bucket list.
“We’re really lucky to have so many people love my parents. There wasn’t a dry eye in the church. They’ve been together for 50 years, since my mum was 13, and, in his speech, Dad said: ‘I wish I’d known you longer’.”
Following her mum’s diagnosis, Jemma began supporting Brain Tumour Research and she is now preparing to run the Brighton Half Marathon in February to raise money for the charity.
The 38-year-old said: “I’m doing it for Mum and for the future, to help find a cure for this dreadful cancer.”
To support Jemma’s fundraising, visit www.gofundme.com/f/running-to-raise-money-for-brain-tumor-research
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