By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Mandy Pattenden beat all odds to become Mrs John Brockway on Sunday.
Despite suffering terminal cancer, Mandy made it to the riverside altar to make her dream wedding a reality.
The Indy reported last week that a massive community effort helped the dying wish come true for the Meredith couple, with a flood of offers helping to organise the wedding in just a week.
“I haven’t seen Mandy smile like that in a long time,” said her sister, Cara Stansfield.
“The weather was perfect, it was nice and sunny and there were just so many people there helping out, it was awesome.
“People who don’t even know us came from near and far and many others sent messages.
“Mandy absolutely loved the day, the whole ceremony and especially the red Mustang bridal car.
“Someone had organised butterflies to release because Mandy loves butterflies but instead of flying off they stayed around.
“Mandy loved the hall decorations. They were just amazing, we were gobsmacked. The food was incredible, there was so much donated it was enough to feed an army.
“Mandy was up for the whole day, she was partying at the reception. All the wonderful messages and help just lifted her spirits.”
A diagnosis of stage four bowel and liver cancer meant Mandy did not have much time left, Cara told the Indy last week.
Mandy was still in hospital only days before the wedding and had two nights at home after the ceremony before going back to the McKellar Centre for further treatment.
Cara said the family wanted the story told as a way of saying thank you to everyone who helped and highlighting the need for cancer awareness.
