A Dundee couple have celebrated their wedding with the hospital staff who have helped keep the groom alive for the last three decades.
Robert Courrie and Debbie Coulson tied the knot in the renal ward at Ninewells, surrounded by loved ones and the health workers who have become their friends.
Robert is an inpatient in the ward and started receiving kidney dialysis at Dundee Royal Infirmary when he was just 16.
He said: “Without Ninewells I wouldn’t be here today so it was really good to celebrate our wedding with all the doctors, nurses, porters and other staff, some of whom I’ve known for over 10 years.”
He and Debbie have been engaged for seven years but organised their nuptials in just three days – finally deciding the time was right when Robert turned 50 last week.
The renal team set up an area in the ward for the ceremony, organising decorations and balloons to help set the mood. Estates staff also helped and even managed to source a red carpet for Debbie to walk down.
Robert said: “The staff have been amazing getting everything organised for us so quickly and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone in the hospital who helped to give us our day.”
He added: “There were even some nurses who came in on their day off to be there with us which means a lot.”
Nicola McKee, ward 22 senior charge nurse, said: “Robert has been part of our renal family for 34 years and if you speak with anyone who has ever met him they would say that his most striking attributes have always been his sense of humour and upbeat, positive attitude.
“Despite his own health challenges he has always made time to care and support others – qualities which are an inspiration to us all.
“We would like to offer our love and best wishes to this special couple and would also like to thank everyone who has gone above and beyond to help us support Robert and Debbie on their wedding day.”
NHS Tayside chairman John Brown and chief executive Malcolm Wright visited Robert in the ward earlier in the day to wish him and his bride well and gave him a wedding gift on behalf of the health board.
