Gift of life for future

Thatcham couple ask for donations to charity instead of wedding presents

A Thatcham couple who recently married and turned down wedding gifts for charity donations have had their funds topped up by their local pub.

Edwin and Kim Jones were married in August following Mrs Jones being diagnosed with terminal cancer in April.

The couple have been together for 33 years and have three children.

Mr Jones told the that his wife had been given the all clear after first being diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago.

However, the cancer had spread to her lungs, liver and bones.

“We’ve known each other since we were 17. We never felt we needed to get married but this has changed everything,” said Mr Jones.

Bringing their wedding date forward and “pulling it off in a week”, the couple decided that they didn’t need traditional wedding presents; instead asking for donations to Cancer Research.

Mr Jones said his wedding day had been fantastic and that his bride had everything she wanted.

Through friends, word of mouth and social media the couple managed to raise £645.

This total soon rose by a further £1,867 after regulars at their local pub, The Taste of England, organised a charity golf day for their cause.

On the amount raised Mr Jones said: “It means everything. Without Cancer Research putting so much time and effort nothing would progress.

“It’s progressing all the time. It’s not going to help us but it’s going to help others.”

He said that the charity day had been really good and thanked Dave Marshall and Neil Thomas for organising the event alongside landlords John White and Judy Cook.

“Nothing is too much for them,” he added.

Mrs Jones also thanked Sally Brindley who shaved her hair and raised money for the couple to have a weekend away at Littlecote House.

The couple were presented with their cheque last Thursday.

Landlady at The Taste of England, Judy Cook, said: “We had a great day and it was well supported.”