Couple hold wedding at QMC after bride left paralysed on hen party | Latest news

A couple who were looking forward to getting married have rearranged their big day to take place in a Nottingham hospital after the bride-to-be was left paralysed after her hen party.

Craig Bolton and Carla Horton from Dudley had planned for their wedding to take place on Friday 30th May at St Chad’s church in Coseley, near to their home.

However, 44-year-old Carla was celebrating on her hen weekend in Skegness five weeks before the wedding when her life changed forever. As Carla and her friends were getting ready to go out for the evening, she and a friend decided to attempt a party trick and the unthinkable happened.

She said: “I made a silly misjudgement on my hen do and tried to do a stunt which I think I was just too old to do, and it resulted in me fracturing the top of my neck and being paralysed from the chest down.”

Carla was knocked unconscious for a moment and when she came to, she realised she couldn’t move.

Her friends jumped into action and phoned for an ambulance, before calling her future husband, Craig.

Craig explained: “My sister-in-law rang to tell me that there had been an incident, so when I was told exactly what had happened, my world caved in.

“I drove to Boston hospital and was greeted with Carla in Resus, all strapped up. It was the absolute shock of my life.”

Carla was initially taken to Skegness and District General, before being moved to Pilgrim Hospital Boston for various scans to assess the extent of the damage. Carla was then transferred to Nottingham Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) for an MRI and spinal surgery.

The couple believe the speed of care provided by the hospitals involved has been a massive factor in Carla’s lucky position.

Craig said: “It was all within a 20-hour window which, to be quite honest, is probably the main reason why Carla is in the condition she is in now and able to fight.

“If that work hadn’t been done in that timescale, we could have been in a completely different situation right now.”

Much of this was thanks to the incredible team at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH). Michelle Elmsley is the Spinal Cord Injury Lead, and she explained why it is important to ensure the right care is provided as quickly as possible in situations such as Carla’s.

She said: ““The rapid medical and surgical response which Carla received has helped to give her the best chance of recovery.

“However, spinal cord injuries are very complex and take extensive time to recover.”

Craig has been doing the three-hour round trip from Dudley every day to be with his wife-to-be. However, shortly after the accident happened Carla told Craig she didn’t want to be a burden to him.

Carla said: “My first thought when this happened was to say to Craig ‘if you want to walk away you can and I would understand’.

“I think when something like this happens to someone you don’t want to put them through the possibility that you might never walk again.”

Craig refused and said: “When I come in every day and see the fight in her, I do fall in love more each day.

“You do find your soulmate at some point and when you do, you know. And I’ve found mine.”

After five weeks in hospital, Carla and Craig decided not to postpone their wedding and instead to change their plans and have their wedding in the chapel at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham.

Carla said: “All I said to Craig was I can’t wait any longer to marry you. I don’t want to wait 18 months or two years until I am possibly walking again, or possibly not. I cannot wait that long.

“So, we both agreed that we would still do it on Friday, no matter where it was or how it was.”

Nottingham University Hospitals Charity have been helping with the arrangements for their big day, arranging food, decorations, flowers and even a hairdresser for the bride.

Sam Cousens, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Nottingham Hospitals Charity said: "Everyone here has been deeply moved by Carla and Craig's story, and it was a huge privilege to collaborate with colleagues across Nottingham University Hospital, including the dedicated ward staff who go above and beyond, every day of the year. 

“As a charity, we were able to bring together our incredible network of supporters and generous local businesses, to help turn a heart-breaking situation into a day filled with love and positivity. We all send our warmest wishes to Carla and Craig on their wedding day".

Carla and Craig had a private and intimate wedding at the chapel in Queen’s Medical Centre on Friday 30th May and enjoyed a little celebration with close family, friends and some of the amazing Spinal Cord Injury team.

NUH Spinal Cord Injury Lead, Michelle, added: “It’s been an honour to be part of Carla’s journey. It is a rare opportunity to be part of something special for acute patients under our care, and being able to go 'beyond the norm' has made me extremely proud to be part of team NUH.”