A RISHTON man dying from cancer has married his soulmate in a ceremony in hospital.

Ian Walsh, 53, was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and was admitted to hospital earlier this week, forcing him to bring his wedding date forward.

Close friends and family of the former firefighter, who lives in Commercial Street with his new bride Glenda and daughter Toni, 20, said his vows in a side room at Royal Blackburn Hospital on Wednesday.

Glenda, 48, said: “We were going to get married next month but we brought it forward.

“The doctors said it was wise.

“It was mixed emotions because you marry somebody for life and you should not have to put a time span on that.

“So it was bitter sweet, but I did not cry and I managed to keep it together.”

Mr Walsh moved to Rishton a decade ago.

He met Glenda while singing karaoke and the pair have been together for nine years.

The pair are well known throughout Rishton for their tenure as landlord and landlady of The Roebuck Inn.

Mr Walsh made headlines last month after a fundraising campaign in his name was launched for Brain Tumour Research.

A “wear a hat day” has already been held, raising £600, while Dave Lees has agreed to make his beer festival in June a joint fundraiser.

And Paul Bradley and Johnny Burrows will get in the saddle by cycling from the Liver buildings in Liverpool, Ian’s hometown, back to Rishton – a total of 70 miles, on Saturday, June 20.

Sponsor forms can be found in the Conservative Club, in Cliff Street, and can be requested by calling Mr Bradley on 078726228487.

A fundraising event will also be held at the Conservative Club on June 20, when there will be entertainment, a raffle and a tombola.

Glenda added: “Despite what may happen, June 20 is still going ahead. We are still having that charity night.”

To donate to the residents’ cause online, visit www.justgiving.com/team-Ian-Walsh. Prizes for the raffle and tombola in June can be donated by calling 07593779594.