Groom diagnosed with terminal cancer says ‘I do’
By Mary Dennehy
A LOCAL couple have said “I do” to making each day count after they wed in a special ceremony, which was organised after the groom was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Last October, Patrick Murphy (52) was diagnosed with throat cancer, which sadly spread to other parts of his body – resulting in the Walkinstown native receiving a terminal diagnosis in May.
Patrick and Tracey
Together 17 years, Patrick and his partner Tracey Jacobs, who have a four-year old daughter called Lily, have decided to make each day count – creating happy memories for their family along the way.
Last Thursday, June 14, Patrick and Tracey said “I do” in a beautiful ceremony followed by a reception in the Long Mile Pub surrounded by family and friends.
Tracey, who is originally from Crumlin but now living in Tallaght, said: “We had a great day, a happy day.
“There was mixture of tears and emotion but we are so happy that we did it.”
Since Patrick’s terminal diagnosis, Tracey, who has two older daughters and an 18-month old granddaughter, stressed her realisation of how often we put things on the long-finger, when we should be living our lives now.
Patrick, Tracey and their four-year-old daughter Lily
“None of us know what’s around the corner and the time to do things is now”, she said.
“Have your happy times now and make happy memories now, make them everyday.
“We decided to have the wedding for our family, especially our daughter Lily.
“She was always asking us when we were going to get married and myself and Patrick were always saying ‘someday’.
“We thought we had loads of time.”
Bridesmaids Nicole and Kelly Jacobs and Grace Murphy
Patrick is no longer undergoing chemo or radiotherapy however, he is being given immunotherapy.
“Patrick isn’t allowed to fly at the moment but we’re hoping, with time on our side, that we will get away at the end of July”, Tracey said.
“We aren’t going to give up, you have to hold onto your hope.”
