After putting off their marriage for 11 years, a couple tied the knot just three days before the tragic death of the bride from cancer.
Ben and Jen Cooper were engaged to each other in 2010. However, they kept pushing back the wedding date due to family loss and work.
Just days after Jen’s death, the couple tied the knot at the Severn Hospice, Telford, Shropshire.
The mother of five, aged 43, celebrated last year being free from breast cancer after having been treated.
Months later, right before lockdown began, the maths teacher was once again diagnosed as having cancer. She discovered another lump beneath her armpit.
Jen, who was fighting a second battle with the disease, passed peacefully in her sleep on November 20, with Ben, her husband, at her side. After wishing one another ‘goodnight’, they went to bed.
Ben and Jen Cooper were engaged to each other in 2010. However, they kept pushing back the wedding date due to family loss and work.
The mother-of-5 (pictured last year with her three children) celebrated five years without cancer after she had been treated for breast cancer.
Jen with Ben before Jen was diagnosed.
Jen was married to Ben for two years and had three children together.
Jen was unable to attend her wedding, so Jen and the husband moved it forward. Jen is now a much better person.
Ben, a Newport resident from Shropshire spoke today, stating: “There were just us, Jen’s mom, and two witnesses.
“We did Bon Jovi for Jen. We got her to wear her dress and we had some bubbly.
“It was amazing. Jen’s gown was placed in Jen’s room by the nurses so she could see it from bed.
“The children were so excited for the wedding that I worried about going home to tell them we were getting married. But they were just as happy for me.
“One positive thing that came out of the wedding arrangements is that the 27th will be transformed into a huge birthday party for my daughters, all who have their birthdays prior to Xmas.
Jen and her husband had two children together, but Ben was able to have three additional children after Jen met Ben.
Ben stated, “The community also generously donated to Just Giving for wedding expenses and they have left it open for me and my kids to keep us afloat.”
“I didn’t know how I was going to get my five children through Christmas and their three birthdays. My salary won’t even cover my expenses. The donations will allow me to make sure they have a happy first birthday/Christmas.
“My daughter was so insistent on wearing her wedding gown to school that she even wore it for every child who needed a non-uniform day.
Jen died just days prior to Jen’s death. Jen and the couple were finally able to tie the knot in Telford at Severn Hospice.
Jen trying out her wedding dress, before she tied the knot.
The lockdown was lifted shortly before the maths teacher, left and right, were diagnosed with another form of cancer after discovering a new lump in her armpit.
Jen lost her battle against the disease, but she passed away peacefully with Ben (34), by her side. They had wished each other a good night and prayed for a speedy recovery.
“Her last moments were held by me as she held my hand. I said to her how much I loved her.
The movie had stopped playing and I was sad that it had ended.
“Then I saw that her chest was not moving. The nurse checked and found she was gone.
“So, either she was just hearing “The kids love” the most or she got another dumb comment from me. Jen would love either.
I stayed there with her, talking to and holding her hand. My friend then came to collect me.
“Then, I kissed her goodbye and then I said good night Beach (her nickname), before I headed home with the children.
Ben shared the photo with Jen on Twitter after the nuptials. Jen later died, and Ben wrote, “I finally married The Love of My Life on Wednesday. It was not the day that we planned, but it was amazing.
“I feel heartbroken” that the marriage won’t be re-counted within days, but years. Do not put off the important things. Tell those you love now.
It has been liked more than 99,800 times, received 4,500 retweets (and 2,000 likes) from those who shared their congratulations.