7:30am Thursday 11th March 2010
A HEARTBROKEN fiance has spoken of her sorrow after her partner of 10 years died just days before they were due to get married.
Carol Etherington, of Burnley, planned to tie the knot with long term partner, Jacen Atkins, 41, on Friday.
But the father-of-one died, who was first diagnosed with testicular cancer 13 years ago, lost his battle with illness on Monday, March 1.
He fought off the disease once but it returned in the last 18 months and spread to other parts of his body.
The Burnley fan died at Pendleside Hospice where he had been treated for a number of weeks.
Carol said Jacen proposed to her on New Year’s Eve last year, knowing their remaining time together would be limited.
The pair had planned to get married at the end of April, but decided to move the date forward when Jacen’s health deteriorated.
A ceremony had been planned to take place at The Oaks Hotel, in Colne Road, Reedley.
Carol said it was her late partner’s wish for them to marry before he died and spoke of her sorrow at not being able to make it a reality.
She said: “Jacen wanted everything to be the best at the wedding, from the flowers to the breakfast. He knew it would be the last time he would see his family and friends together having a good time.
“He wanted the best for me as well.”
Carol said she first met Jacen 10 years ago when he was a customer at a store where she worked.
Speaking from her home at The Spinney, which she shared with Jacen, she said: “It was difficult because I had to call the florists and cancel.
“I went to the hairdressers as normal and then came back home and took the dog for a walk because it was such a lovely day and I wanted to clear my head.”
Jacen grew up in Nelson but spent the last seven years living in Burnley. He attended Wheatley Lane Primary School, Fence, and Walton High School, Nelson.
Following a spell working as an engineer at Weston EU, Foulridge, he joined the family business - Nelson Discount Furniture.
After selling the firm two years ago he worked as a self-employed furniture representative.
Carol said the move afforded football fan Jacen more time to follow his beloved Clarets.
Donations made in his memory raised around £600 for Pendleside Hospice.
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