A MAN who married his bride from her hospital bed has paid a loving tribute to his wife after she died just days after the ceremony.

Brian Squire, 80, married his partner of 31 years, Valerie Goodwin, last Friday on Ward 9 at Furness General Hospital.

Sadly Valerie passed away on Monday morning at 5.30am.

She had been living with a rare blood disorder for more than 15 years.

Brian said: "She was a lovely lady, very positive. When she realised it was terminal her first words were 'we are getting married tomorrow'.

Despite their relationship spanning over three-decades, the pair had never gotten round to tying the knot.

Speaking about the wedding Mr Squire said: "It was amazing- staff on Ward 9 set about organising it all.

"We had a big buffet and a cake and it was an absolutely lovely day. They pulled out all the stops for us - I was so happy."

Staff from the oncology unit piled in to see the ceremony, which they had managed to organise within 24 hours.

Brian and Valerie met at a party 31 years ago at former teacher, Mrs Squire's flat and had been together ever since.

Mr Squire, who is originally from Swansea, said his bride was "quite the character who was happy to speak her mind".

He described their first meeting as a coincidence, saying: "you just never know when these things are going to happen to you."

Burnley-born Mrs Squire, 79, had had treatment to stabilise her blood condition but had recently started experiencing a number of problems with her liver, kidneys and heart.

Mr Squire continued to visit his bride every day and called the oncology staff on Ward 9 "angels".

"They had other patients with similar problems to Valerie but they took such good care of her."

The funeral for Mrs Squire will take place on June 29 at St Paul's Church, Grange at noon.

The Squire family hope their story will raise awareness and funds for Ward 9 and the Coniston Suite at FGH.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can visit www.mbhcharity.org or call 01524 516064.