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Couple Who Were Married For 62 Years Hold Hands For Last Time

Couple Who Were Married For 62 Years Hold Hands For Last Time

Staff at the hospital gave them a chance to say one last goodbye

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A couple who were married for 62 years were able to say a final goodbye to each other after a nurse pushed their beds together.

John Wilson, 92, was given the devastating news that he had terminal cancer back in May and was admitted to Queen's Hospital Burton, where his wife Marjorie, 88, was also being cared for.

With Marjorie due to be discharged back to her nursing home, staff realised the couple may never get to see each other again so Sister Emma Barker arranged for Marjorie and John's beds to be pushed together so they could say a last goodbye.

The couple were able to hold hands for around 10 minutes and Emma was even able to take a photograph of them together to give to the family.

John sadly passed away at home on 15 June.

Sister Emma Barker arranged for the couple to have their beds pushed together so they could say a last goodbye.
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton

Emma said: "I can't even imagine what it's like to be married to someone for more than 60 years and know that you're never going to see them again.

"The picture had everyone crying when they saw it - it was very emotional and powerful. To hear how happy the family were after receiving this picture has really impacted us all and the letter that they sent was so lovely.

"The whole reason you become a nurse is to care for people and to have moments like this. To now know that Mr Wilson's son will have not only this photo, but also the knowledge that his father saw his mother for a final time, will remain a significant memory for me.

"I like to treat all patients as if they were my family and I know that I would be extremely humbled knowing someone had done that for a relative of mine."

The couple's son Kurt wrote a letter to the hospital in which he thanked the hospital for the final photo and praised staff for ensuring his dad was able 'to die how he wanted to, peacefully and in my arms'.

The couple's son sent in a note praising the staff.
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton

He added: "A special thank you to Sister Emma, who had the foresight to take a photo of mum and dad together for the last time.

"Again, words are not enough to express my gratitude to you all."

Featured Image Credit: University Hospitals of Derby and Burton

Topics: UK News, NHS