A Co Tyrone mother of five with a terminal illness has fulfilled her dream of getting married after an emotional and special day with her family.
Danielle Donnelly (35) from Drumquin married Darren Collins at the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh, alongside their children Jamie (one), Tianna (3), Kayla (12), Shanice (14) and Edward (17).
In the weeks leading up to the big day, the local community had rallied to help the family secure the final details like music, cars, and a videographer.
Many businesses had also offered their services for free while others were willing to provide cakes or flowers.
One woman getting married later this year was even willing to loan her wedding dress, even though Danielle had already picked out her own.
Last July, she had learned of her terminal cancer diagnosis just weeks after giving birth to her youngest child.
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As she began the exhausting process of chemotherapy, the family had started a fundraiser last year to make their wedding a reality.
Taking a moment to speak to The Irish News after Friday’s ceremony, Danielle’s mother Donna Logue said: “We have had a wonderful day so far, the ceremony was very emotional but so beautiful.
“Danielle has been well and has enjoyed getting pampered this morning from hair and make up to being taken to the service in style.
“We are forever grateful to everyone who has made this day so perfect for her and Darren, it’s been amazing.
"The memories will live in our hearts forever. Now for some dancing and a few drinks.”
Speaking to The Irish News in June, Danielle said she had been overwhelmed by the flood of goodwill from her local community.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we can’t thank everyone enough,” she said.
“As you can only imagine, I’m only 35 and having a young family, our hearts are broken in a million pieces that I will not see my children grow up.
“Darren is only a year older than me as well so you can imagine the heartbreak we are going through.”
Sarah Gallagher runs the My Omagh page, and praised the “unbelievable” community response.
“They were blown away by the amount of people who wanted to donate yesterday, but they didn’t think it was right as they already had the fundraiser last year,” she said at the time.
“One girl offered her wedding dress and all her bridesmaid dresses even though she’s not getting married to September.
“Isn’t that amazing? Another man lost his fiancée to cancer two years ago and had her wedding dress hanging in the wardrobe.
“He said he could never bear to part with it, but he would be willing to give it to Danielle. I could cry about this because I lost my own sister to cancer last year and that’s why I feel compelled to really help her as much as I can."
She added: “I think people should be very proud of themselves.”
