WHEN Emma Bailey got engaged to her fiancé Chris, one of the things she was looking forward to most was her dad seeing her in her wedding dress and walking her down the aisle to her husband-to-be.

It seemed like her dream might not become a reality when Richard, 70, from Canvey Island, was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal oesophageal cancer last year.

However, the care team at Fair Havens in Prittlewell, made it possible for dad and daughter to have their wish come true.

Emma’s best friend and bridesmaid, Grace, organised for Chantilly Lace in Westcliff and owner Clorese and sister Hayley brought four ivory dresses to Fair Havens.

Echo: Proud dad - Richard and EmmaProud dad - Richard and Emma (Image: Havens Hospices)

It meant that Richard could see his daughter in her wedding dress and walk her down the “aisle” in the hospital corridor to capture a very special event.

Emma said: "We had the most magical day. Everyone went to so much effort, it made me feel like I was actually getting married.

“It's lovely to know that Dad has now seen me in a wedding dress and walked me down the aisle, albeit the hospice corridor. Just to have walked anywhere, wearing a wedding dress with Dad on my arm, has been an honour. It's a moment I didn't think we'd get to share together.

"This moment, which will last a lifetime, wouldn't have happened without the donations that people make to the charity. We're extremely grateful for what they're doing for families like ours.”

Echo: Special day - Richard and Emma with Hayley and Clorese from Chantilly Lace Bridal WearSpecial day - Richard and Emma with Hayley and Clorese from Chantilly Lace Bridal Wear (Image: Havens Hospices)

Emma’s brother, Simon, was also there to capture the special moment when Richard saw his daughter as a bride for the first time on film.

Speaking of the moment his daughter came into the room, Richard said: "It was a complete surprise, I had no idea it was going to happen. I wondered why the care team were insistent on me having a shave!

“Because of Fair Havens, I've been able to be a part of the wedding that was most important to Emma and me. We came together for that moment. Although it's not the real thing, it is to us. We've done it together. Her brother, Simon, will now take over that responsibility when the big day finally arrives.”

Find out more about the care Fair Havens can offer by visiting havenshospices.org.uk or calling 01702 220 350.