Divorced couple, 85, remarry in Dewsbury hospital weeks before groom's death

A couple who met more than 60 years ago but later divorced remarried in hospital weeks before the groom died.

Kenneth Sharp and Marian Kenward, both aged 85, wed at Dewsbury and District Hospital where Mr Sharp was a patient.

The service was arranged by the hospital after the pair, who separated in 1995 but later reunited, told staff of their desire to marry again.

The couple tied the knot on 22 September before Mr Sharp died in hospital on 5 October.

The couple, who have a son, originally met as teenagers before marrying in Leeds in 1958 when they were both 20. After divorcing, they remained in touch and got back together in 2000.

During this time, the couple battled various health issues with Mr Sharp suffering two strokes and Mrs Kenward having a heart attack.

Before the wedding, Mr Sharp had been in hospital for an operation on his leg when he contracted a severe infection causing his health to deteriorate.

After finding out about the couple's wish to remarry, hospital staff took charge of organising the wedding at short notice.

Practice educator Kayleigh said: "In just two hours, we had secured donations from local businesses and generous individuals who provided cakes, afternoon tea, flowers, decorations, and photography, and we'd like to thank them all for their kind-heartedness."

Staff arranged for a registrar to perform the ceremony and a special dispensation was secured to perform the wedding in a hospital setting. They also helped with the bride's make-up and hair as well as arranging flowers.

After the wedding, Mr Sharp was discharged from hospital but was readmitted days later after his health deteriorated.

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