Kelly Warnell is determined to make as many memories as possible after undergoing a risky nine-hour operation on a brain tumour, during which surgeons sliced open her skull to remove the growth. The Daily Mirror reports this summer, by means of a celebration, Kelly and husband Jon marked her survival with a spectacular Las Vegas ceremony.
The couple had decided to renew their vows every five years - or divorce - following their marriage in 2016. The pandemic affected the timing this time, but Kelly said: “I embraced the dark side and all I had gone through, dubbing the wedding ‘to the grave and beyond’.
"The pandemic meant postponing it a year but it was worth the wait. We had a total blast, with a week of hen and stag dos."
Kelly, 43, says: “I’d marry Jon every day if I could, but that just isn’t practical. The renewal idea started as a bit of fun - but since the tumour diagnosis I’ve devoted my life to making as many memories as possible, for me and for my family.
“It was benign but I was told that, without surgery, I could be left blind or worse. The odds of surviving such a delicate operation weren’t great.
“There was also a chance I’d be left permanently disabled or lose my long and short-term memory. I thought, ‘What if I’m unable to remember my wedding days?'
“Then on June 4, 2022, six years to the day since we first said our vows, we had a Beetlejuice wedding experience at the Viva Las Vegas Chapel."
The memories may be especially important because, 18 months ago, the couple were told Kelly’s tumour had returned - but she faces the future in a positive frame of mind.
She said: “At the moment it’s too small to cause a problem. There’s a chance it will stay that way but, should it grow, I’ll face future surgery with strength and positivity.
“I have many more memories still to make with Jon and my family. We have such a deep love. He still gives me butterflies when he walks into the room and I feel incredibly lucky.
"I have a unique perspective now. This tumour has given me an incredible zest for life and a drive to make memories each and every day.
“It’s not just about those big moments either. Every glass of wine, every sunny day, every time I kiss Jon, it hits me in a stark way that it could be the last. I don’t know what the future holds but I do know I’ll make the most of it."
Jon says: “We definitely cherish each and every day with each other even more since Kelly’s diagnosis. I wake up thankful that I get to see Kel’s face every day.”
The couple are already thinking ahead to their 10th anniversary ceremony in 2026. Kelly says: “We want to go to New York and have a Ghostbusters theme."
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