A BRIDE whose mother was unable to attend her wedding has thanked a Warrington care home for allowing her to rerun the ceremony in front of her.

Elizabeth Mannion-O’Keeffe, who was heartbroken her 93-year-old mother, Jean Mannion, could not make the original ceremony owing to long-term illness, repeated the proceedings at the Belong Care Village in Latchford.

The rerun, complete with registrar, guests, cake and bridal gown, was attended by 25 guests, including Jean’s best friend of 76 years, Peggy Sanson.

“Not many people would re-run their wedding ceremony in the space of two weeks, but it was so important to us that mum got to be part of our special day,” Elizabeth said.

“We are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of everyone at Belong, without them we couldn’t have made this happen.

“I know we will all treasure the memories of this truly wonderful day forever.”

As reported previously in the Warrington Guardian, the rerun of the ceremony was tailored especially to Jean’s presence, with guests being treated to a banquet in the form of her favourite fish and chips.

The commitment ceremony was performed by one of Warrington’s deputy superintendent registrars, Lance Goodwin, and took place beneath an archway festooned with flowers at the end of a florally-decorated aisle.

Jean’s carers at Belong volunteered as bridesmaids and read out an evocative reading on love, while guests enjoyed glasses of prosecco and organza bags filled with Love Heart sweets.

The event was planned and organised by Kerith Pepperdine, Belong Warrington’s experience coordinator.

“Belong is dedicated to providing customer-centred care, and so when we heard Jean would be missing her daughter’s wedding, we offered to rerun the ceremony at the village,” she said.

“We are so thrilled we could help make this happen for the family – it’s been a true honour to play a part in their special day.”