Des Codona has always wanted to marry his partner and mother of his kids, Christine Meaney. The timing was just never right. When Codona was diagnosed with terminal cancer in April and given weeks to live, however, he knew that now was the time.

Due to lockdown restrictions in the UK, however, Codona and Meaney did not think their dream was attainable. No weddings are allowed at the moment to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Codona’s daughter Suzi contacted the Middlesbrough Council in the hopes that they could be granted special permission to marry in their home. The council first weighed a risk assessment, and decided to use their emergency powers to allow the wedding despite regulations.

“In this instance, having spoken to the family and carried out a risk assessment, we felt it was something we could do for them,” said Registrar Dawn Galloway.

“They are a lovely family and a lovely couple and we are really pleased that we were able to grant this wish and make it happen for them.”

The pair wed on April 30 in their home. Of course, safety precautions were put in place. Registrar Dawn Galloway and her deputy Sarah Teece wore personal protective equipment (PPE) as they married the couple.

The day was a meaningful one for the couple.

“Des is absolutely buzzing, it has really given him a lift. It has really picked him up and that has made me feel a lot better. It’s given him a real boost,” said newlywed Meaney.

“He had been talking to our children Suzi, Michael and Katie… and Suzi got in touch with Dawn and it spiralled pretty quickly – that was on Tuesday and on Thursday we were married. It was very surreal.”

Feature image: Facebook / Middlebrough Council