Alternative favours raise money at Thatcham couple's wedding

Sammi and Jake Johnson (pictured on their wedding day by Emma Case Photography), aged 26 and 29, opted to make a charity donation instead of buying the conventional sugared almond to raise money for Diabetes UK.
The pair got married at Christ Church Burbage, Buxton, Derbyshire, and held their reception at Hassop Hall Hotel, near Bakewell recently.
They gave each guest a Diabetes UK lapel badge.
The pair decided on Diabetes UK as the bride’s father Keith Nanson and the best man Scott Murcott both have type 1 diabetes. Mrs Johnson’s boss, John Brightwell, also has the condition.
The couple said that the feedback they received from guests was very positive, adding that the money raised would go towards funding research into improving the care and support available for people affected.
Mrs Johnson said: “People came up to me saying it was a unique idea that they hadn’t seen before and the days of sugared almonds are over.
“The best man wore his lapel badge with great pride.
“We were able to give £150 – £1.50 for each guest – which will go towards funding research into improving the care and support available for people affected by diabetes.”
Mrs Johnson’s father was diagnosed 20 years ago and she said that the times he experienced hypos – episodes of low blood glucose that can result in symptoms ranging from shaking to a loss of consciousness – were scary to witness.
“My mother had to teach us to give him sugary drinks like cola, glucose tablets and a Mars bar to stabilise his blood glucose level,” she said.
The south east regional fundraising manager for Diabetes UK, Jenny Green, said: “We are very grateful to Sammi and Jake Johnson for including Diabetes UK in their special day and we really appreciate their donation.”