A HUSBAND who married his bride just over two months ago has paid tribute to his beautiful wife who ‘lit up life right until the end’.

Devoted Derek Bond married Barbara at home on May 31 - with guests congregating over Zoom.

Barbara, 80, and Derek, 68, were able to have their fairytale wedding on May 31 after being granted a Special Marriage Licence by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The service was conducted by Reverend David Ash.

The special licence was issued due to Barbara’s illness; Barbara had terminal cancer and had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2019.

Barbara died surrounded by family on August 20.

Paying tribute to his wife, Derek said: "My Barbara was a special person who lifted the spirits of everyone lucky enough to know her. She had a radiant smile that was quite infectious and warmed the heart of anyone she met.

"I count myself blessed Barbara agreed to marry me and on a special day at the end of May, we were married. It was a wonderfully happy occasion with Barbara looking absolutely gorgeous and anyone who saw the ceremony was affected by her joyful singing and dancing and the sheer pleasure she took in the whole day.

Rhyl Journal:

Barbara and Derek exchange rings as they are married at the home in Prestatyn. Picture: Phil Micheu

"Married life with Barbara was wonderful and our commitment to each other was total and unconditional.

"She lit up our life together right to the end.

"It was remarkable how she bore everything that life threw at her, cheerfully carrying on regardless.

"We cherished every minute we had together. It was her strength that helped me through the darkest moments and I am so proud of her.

"Towards the end she insisted on being at home with me, if at all possible, and as she breathed her last - I and her two daughters were at her bedside."

The newlyweds had been together for more than two and a half years after meeting about three years ago on a Voel Coach trip.

The trip was to Bridgemere Garden Centre and antiques.

Barbara, a long-term member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Prestatyn (Church in Wales), said when the couple married: "I think someone was looking down on me. I think the Lord sent Derek to me and said ‘you are suppose to be together'.

"We love each other deeply - two hearts, one love."

Rhyl Journal:

Barbara and Derek with Barbara's children Michael, Hilary and Jane. Picture: Phil Micheu

Barbara, whose maiden name was Boylan, had three children - Hilary, Jane and Michael.

Born Barbara Jordan in 1937 in Wembley, London, Barbara's father was killed during the Second World War in 1943. After schooling, she trained and became a secretary. She met Gerald Boylan and they married in Willesden in 1959 and had three children.

Barbara had a number of jobs through her working life finishing up as a legal PA.

The couple were living in Warrington when Gerald died in 1998 with Barbara moving to Prestatyn in 2003.

Throughout her life, the church was important to Barbara.

Rhyl Journal:

The congregation of family and friends join in the wedding ceremony via Zoom video link. Picture: Phil Micheu

Derek explained Barbara was incredibly talented and enjoyed doing crafts, painting, gardening, card making and embroidery.

She was also an animal lover. She volunteered at the Cat Protection League.

Derek added: "Barbara was just so special she lived life to the full and is badly missed. As my thoughts turn to our short period together, I cannot help smiling at my memories of such an incredibly beautiful woman.

"The world has lost a very special person, my wife touched the hearts of so many people.

Rhyl Journal:

Friends and neighbours keep to social distancing in the back garden during the wedding ceremony. Picture: Phil Micheu

"Barbara herself did not realise it until her illness when she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support she received from so many.

"I know it is a cliche but the world is a poorer place now that my wife Barbara has left it."

Barbara's funeral service will be at the Church of the Holy Spirit on Friday, August 28 at 11am. Due to Covid 19 restrictions on numbers, attendance is strictly by invitation only.