Hospice turned into restaurant for wedding anniversary

Jordan and Charlene Heslop feared they might never reach their first wedding anniversary.

Charlene, 38, from Staveley in Derbyshire, was told days after their wedding that her cervical cancer had returned and she may have only three to nine months to live.

But a year on from their special day, the couple were able to mark their first anniversary together at Ashgate Hospice, where staff transformed a conservatory into a private restaurant, complete with flowers, candles and balloons.

Jordan said: "They've given us memories we can hold on to."

The couple have been together for 12 years and were engaged for eight years before finally marrying on 24 July 2025.

Jordan described their wedding day as "perfect".

But just days later, their newlywed bliss was shattered when Charlene was told her cervical cancer had returned.

Charlene was first diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015 and successfully completed treatment. When the cancer returned in 2023, she underwent further treatment and was again told there was no evidence of disease.

But the cancer returned for a third time, and Charlene was given a terminal diagnosis.

She has received support from Ashgate's community team for about two years and is now receiving care on the inpatient unit for specialist symptom management. This is her fourth admission to the ward.

One year on after her wedding, Charlene has already lived beyond the three-to-nine-month prognosis she was given.

Staff discovered the couple's anniversary was approaching and quietly planned a special surprise.

The hospice conservatory was decorated with flowers, candles and balloons, while head chef, Mark Taylor, created a three-course meal based around Charlene's favourite foods.

The couple enjoyed garlic dough balls, spaghetti bolognese and pizza, followed by hot chocolate fondant with salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, along with a bottle of alcohol-free fizz.

Charlene and Jordan, who share a 12-year-old stepson, said the celebration at Ashgate Hospice was about much more than a meal.

"We'd always planned to spend our first wedding anniversary in a log cabin, but obviously that wasn't going to be possible. Instead, Ashgate gave us a date night we'll never forget.

"They've given us memories we can hold on to... they couldn't do enough for us."

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.