Woman with terminal illness given help for wedding

A 31-year-old woman with terminal cancer said it was "overwhelming in the best way" that her wedding was being planned by a charity in just two weeks.

Megan McCley, of Wymondham, Norfolk, has ocular melanoma - an aggressive type of cancer in her eye - and in January was told she had three months to live.

She and fiance Dimitar Kashchive are due to tie the knot on 14 March, with Norfolk businesses stepping in to help.

"This has come together incredibly quickly - we are arranging a wedding in the span of around two weeks and the kindness is insane," said Miss McCley.

While enjoying the "fun parts" such as choosing flowers, she and Mr Kashchive can focus on spending time together and with their families, she added.

"It's now come to a point where time is very precious to us, and marriage is very important," she said.

"The important aspects are making sure that the people who we want to be there are there, that everybody is comfortable and that it's a good experience where we're able to be present with everybody."

Gift of a Wedding plans nuptials in a matter of days for people with terminal or life-shortening illnesses, and reaches out to anyone willing to help.

"It's overwhelming in the best way - it's exciting, it's something to look forward to," added Ms McCley.

"There are so many different medical appointments and things to attend to, and I do feel quite poorly a lot.

"Every day we'll see, 'oh the cake is confirmed, the photographer is confirmed,' and that's one more person that has dedicated their time and energy to help, so it's a massive lift."

Her husband-to-be agreed.

"It's an incredible opportunity for us at a time when we thought we didn't have the time to do this," he said.

"It takes away some of the practical nitty-gritty of everyday life so I can focus on quality time with Megan and our families."

Miss McCley was diagnosed in 2020, having initially dismissed a flashing light in the corner of her eye as a migraine.

"This cancer can be symptomless, so one of the things I would like to encourage is not to neglect dilated eye exams," she said.

"Catching it early meant I was able to get on a treatment quickly and have an additional two years of life.

"I don't want anyone to be caught in a situation where it's too late."

Speaking of their big day, she said she was looking forward to seeing her younger sister "all dressed up" as the ring-bearer, and their friends and family.

"We haven't had much luck recently - it's something to look forward to."

At the end of their interview, she addressed BBC Radio Norfolk listeners directly.

"Just take a moment, maybe put your phone down and spend time with loved ones.

"Time is precious and you're very lucky to have it."

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