STAFF at a North Finchley hospice quickly pulled together to organise a wedding in just 24 hours for a mum suffering from cancer.

Annette Foxlow, 54, was diagnosed with cancer five years ago and fearing time was running short she proposed to Karl, her partner of 15 years, whilst lying in her bed at the North London Hospice in Woodside Avenue.

Hospice staff rushed to find Annette the perfect dress, contact a registrar, florist, photographer and baker as well as take care of the wedding rings ready for the big day on Wednesday.

Deborah Mosdall, communications manager at the hospice, said: “Everyone pulled together to make it happen – it was such a special occasion.

“While Annette was getting ready all the nurses were waiting outside the room and everyone cheered as she came out.”

The couple from Bush Hill Park in Enfield have three children who all took part in the ceremony. Eleven-year-old Molly was bridesmaid and helped her mum walk to a packed room filled with around 30 members of staff, friends and family, whilst eight-year-old Tom was ring-bearer and Jack, 14, was best man.

Annette, who was born in Barnet, said: “It was just perfect. I felt very special and totally at ease. All the staff here are like friends that I’ve known for years even though I’ve only been here for a few weeks.”

Karl Foxlow, 49, had previously proposed to Annette around five times but her battle with cancer meant their wedding plans were always put on hold.

After finally tying the knot, he said: “It’s just completed everything and it’s how it should be. I got a bit nervous with everyone there and the room was so quiet but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

“We’ve wanted to get married for so long now. When Annette proposed she said time was running out. You always think you’ve got more time. When you have cancer there are all these hurdles to get across and this is just one of those hurdles you just can’t cross.”

North London Hospice provides specialist care to people living with a terminal illness in Enfield, Barnet and Haringey.