'We said goodbye in case we didn't see each other again' (From Warrington Guardian)

'We said goodbye in case we didn't see each other again'

IT WAS meant to be an exotic honeymoon, instead these newlyweds were forced to say goodbye, hours after saying 'I do'.

As Hurricane Emily swept through the Mexican city of Cancun, Emma and Alan Marsh feared for their lives as 130 mph winds smashed the hotel windows and water flooded their room.

The couple, of Wellfield Street, Bewsey, had taken the impromptu trip as a wedding present from family, expecting two weeks of sun and sea.

But, 48 hours after arriving in Central America, trees were uprooted and roofs ripped off buildings as the hurricane destroyed their dream holiday last Saturday.

Mrs Marsh, aged 24, said: "It was a life or death situation, the beach was devastated. We were imprisoned in our shower because it was the safest place to be.

"It was terrifying and totally helpless there was nothing we could do.

"So we said goodbye to each other there and then in case we didn't make it."

Their accommodation at the Moon Place Hotel was less affected than most and forced to house 400 extra holidaymakers, evacuated across the resort as Emily lashed out.

"People were sleeping in the lobby, in the hall ways and ballroom and the electricity went because of the flooding.

"All we wanted to do was go home to our little boy," added Mrs Marsh.

Mr and Mrs Marsh spoke to the Warrington Guardian after landing at Manchester Airport on Friday, but say if they have a sister for five-year-old Scott she will be called Emily.

At least four people are believed to have died during the hurricane.