A SKIPTON couple whose wedding had to be moved forward after the groom was diagnosed with cancer had the wedding of their "dreams" thanks to the generosity of people and businesses who made it all happen.

Simon and Mel Dixon, who live at Highfield Terrace on the Greatwood estate, were married on Friday, August 11, at the Registry Office in Skipton and celebrated after with a reception at the Rendezvous Hotel, on Keighley Road.

Simon, 50, was diagnosed with terminal oesophageal cancer 14 weeks ago and was only given a few months to live.

He and his fiancee, Mel Reid, 40, who were due to be married on October 27, quickly had to move their wedding date forward, all the while as Simon, Mel and Mel's daughter, Chloe Bateman, had to come to terms with Simon's illness.

Chloe, also of Skipton, contacted the Rendezvous Hotel and spoke with senior manager and wedding and events co-ordinator, Lindsay Mueller, whose careful planning helped make the Dixon's wedding day special.

"My mum and Simon want to thank everyone personally," said Chloe. "The wedding was everything they had dreamed of and more. It would never have happened without the support of local businesses in Skipton and everyone else from around the country.

"From something as small as the wedding favours to something as huge as the wedding venue and the wedding planner, we were in awe of everything everyone kindly donated and the fact that everyone went the extra mile.

"Due to the unfortunate circumstances, the wedding was emotional. However, the emotions were not the focus of the wedding but the love that my mum and Simon have for each other, and about taking every day one step at a time while making as many memories as possible.

"The main person who made this dream wedding happen was Lindsay," added Chloe. "Without Lindsay, it would not have been the wedding it was. Lindsay went above and beyond her job role and had many late nights, sleepless nights and stressful moments. She has become a friend and words will never be enough to thank her or all the staff at the Rendezvous Hotel."

The donations for the Dixon's wedding day include: Venue and wedding planner - The Rendezvous Hotel and Lindsay Mueller; one-night stay bed and breakfast for the couple - The Rendezvous Hotel; three-course wedding breakfast - Penneys Butchers and Total Foods; evening supper - Digby of Craven Bakery, Skipton, and Total Foods; room decoration - Simon Spikin of Well Pleased Events, Leeds; photographer - Malcolm Stoney of 1979 Photography; videographer - Benjamin Small; flowers - Alison Younger; reception and toast drinks - Julian of Wright Wines, Skipton; reception drinks entertainment - Tim Clarke (The Sax Man); drinks for wedding breakfast - Majestic Wine, Skipton; bride's nails - Elizabeth Ireland of Naily Normal, Skipton; daughter and mother of bride's hair, nails and make up - Channel, Gemma, Lianne and CJ Beauty at Ultraviolet, Skipton; make-up - CJ Beauty; wedding cake - Stephanie Segula of Cupcake Corner; cupcakes for guests - Mel Burgess; wedding meal - Rendezvous Hotel and their suppliers; supper - Digby of Craven Bakery, Skipton; cars to the registry office - Albion Pub, Skipton, and Charles and Susannah Calvert; DJ - Liam Farrow; table centre pieces and flowers - Keelham Farm Shop, Skipton; chair covers and sashes - Sitting Pretty Chair Covers; light up love letters - Photo Booths and Event Equipment Hire Yorkshire; sweetie cart and sweets - Jolly Sweet; place cards for guests - Alison Groom and Ian Griffiths of Alian Forever Memories; wine glass charms for wedding favours - Sarah Brannigan of Freya’s Love of Sparkle; personalised prints for decoration - Jemma Lofthouse of Jemma’s Personalised Prints, Skipton; helium balloons - Rebecca Egan; wedding favours and boxes and guest book - Emma Cassidy of Lovelies; wedding favour boxes - Georgia Hey; A3 welcome board 'Mr and Mrs Dixon' - Rachel Cooper of 2Skoops of Love; table plan - Collette Billiald of Graceful Weddings, Wedding Planner and Stationery; table numbers - Kath Ogg of Lila Engel Events; ring cushion - Gillian Walker.