I didn't want to die without getting wed so I 'married' my best pal

FRIENDS GIVE MUM HER DREAM BIG DAY AFTER CANCER DIAGNOSIS

- AMANDA KILLELEA and FINLEY MACKENZIE

KERRY Kenworthy beams with happiness as she walks down the aisle at the big white wedding she thought she would never see.

By her side is not her new husband or wife but her best friend, Sian Higgins who she "married" in a staged ceremony organised by loving pals and family to allow Kerry to experience the fairytale day she always dreamed of before it is too late.

Because when single mum Kerry, 34, was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer, her initial reaction was fear at leaving daughters Mia, 12, Lily, nine, and Violet, six, behind. Soon after came regret at the things she would never get to do which included seeing her girls marry and walking down the aisle herself.

So best friends Sian, 29, and Claire Olivia, 40, stepped up to organise the day of Kerry's dreams with Sian acting as spouse.

PROPOSAL

The pair "wed" in a special ceremony on Valentine's Day in front of 80 guests, with Kerry in a long white lace and tulle gown and carrying a bridal bouquet, Sian in a purple suit, Claire giving Kerry away, and her girls thrilled to be bridesmaids.

Kerry says: "It was the best wedding day I could have ever wished for.

"It was magical and I'm so grateful that I could experience what it's like to say 'I do. I am so lucky to have such amazing friends like Sian and Claire.

"I can't believe they and so many other people went to so much trouble to give me my dream day."

Kerry was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2021 after a smear found abnormal cells.