A loving mum undergoing palliative treatment for cancer has brought her wedding forward to tie the knot today in a beautiful ceremony at Newcastle Civic Centre.
31-year-old Vikki Jose, from Camperdown in North Tyneside, married her long-time partner Jack Cassidy, just weeks after being told her cancer was terminal.
The couple, who have been together for nine years, were due to get married at the end of the year, but had to bring the date forward given the heart-breaking circumstances.
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Their world was first turned upside down in August 2020, when Vikki discovered a lump on her breast while showering. It was diagnosed as triple negative breast cancer.
At the time, she had just come off her maternity leave with her first child Emily, and the aggressive disease soon spread to her lymph nodes.
After a round of gruelling chemotherapy and surgery, Vikki was given the all clear in January 2021.
But in summer, she began to experience symptoms again in the form of aches and pains.
"I didn't think much of it at first" said Vikki. "But things got progressively worse, and in November 2021, the doctors found shadowing on my lung.
"The cancer had spread to my lymph nodes, the breast where it started, my bones, ribcage and spine."
Despite another round of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, she took "very poorly" in January 2022, experiencing shortness of breathe and painful headaches.
"I thought it was a head cold to begin with, but scans showed something more sinister.
"They found my brain was covered with cancer and that it was terminal."
She has since been under palliative care, all the while planning for her all-important wedding day.
The stunning reception took place at the Civic Centre on Saturday, followed by a party with 150 guests at St James' Park.
Speaking ahead of the celebration, the former F reeman Hospital healthcare assistant, said: "I feel like I'm in a dream, and like nothing is real.
"I can't believe I'm finally getting married, I've been planning this day since I was a little girl.
"We were meant to wait until the end of the year, but we've had to organise quickly because the cancer is terminal."
The couple have tried to keep "everything as normal as possible" despite the news, to avoid any disruption to their toddler.
"She's aware that mummy was in hospital" said Vikki. "But we want to keep her life as normal as it can be.
"It hasn't really sunk in for any of us I don't think. There's been no time to get down about things.
"I'm in pain, and walking can be difficult, but I always try and remain positive, because I'm not ready to go anywhere".
"I've got a two and a half year old daughter to look after and remain upbeat for."
The family have received an "incredible amount of support" throughout Vikki's treatment from friends and family, as well as local businesses.
MLD bakes in Wallsend donated a wedding cake, Tyne Events provided light up 'Mr' and 'Mrs' decorations and Honey's beauty salon in Heaton gave all the bridal party a free spray tan.
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