A WHITEHAVEN musician who is terminally ill with a brain tumour decided to ask his partner of nine years to marry him - and they were wed in his care home days later.
Phil Rourke, of Moresby, tied the knot with his partner Sara last week in Harbour View Care Home in Bransty.
Tragically, Phil has suffered with multiple brain tumours and doctors have decided to discontinue his chemotherapy treatment.
To his surprise, after he popped the question - in what Sara described as a 'whirlwind' - the care home was able to organise the wedding within the week, setting aside a room for the couple to celebrate their special day and invite close friends and family.
Phil, 53, was very involved with the Three Tuns pub and also hosted his own music events, Rock 24/7 at The Solway Hall.
Often, he would raise money for various charities and use the money to support the community.
Mr Rourke said: "It's all come as a bit of a shock, I had two brain tumours, and they were removed successfully, I've now got a third.
"It's the most aggressive form of cancerous tumour. The first was removed but they always return in the same place."
Sara said that, prior to his illness, he'd never had a day in hospital in his life and was always fit and active and he'd often go out jogging.
Phil continued: "There was a gig I used to organise at The Solway Hall called Rock 24/7, every year money was raised for a different charity.
"I've been in different bands and joined my first around thirty years ago."
Sara said that when she lost her mother to motor neurone disease, Phil raised money for those charities through his events.
They have been together for nine years and, in a quick decision, agreed that they would marry.
Phil had been staying at his home but after a fall was taken to hospital and is currently staying at Harbour View.
Sara said: "Phil proposed on the Wednesday, then on Thursday he was moved in here, he brought it up again.
"It was just this whirlwind.
"Harbour View Lodge made the day, they got us a room and decorated it. The staff and the care are excellent, it's been a first for the home."
Phil and Sara have thanked the care home, and all involved for how their wedding was organised in such a timely manner.
They also thanked the staff for their support of Phil and his family during this difficult time.
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