Bride paralysed just weeks before her dream wedding offered to leave husband
Craig Bolton and Carla Horton were just weeks away from getting married before the bride suffered a life-changing accident
Craig Bolton and Carla Horton refused to let a serious incident get in the way of their wedding plans
(Image: Nottingham University Hospitals / NHS Trust )
A UK couple's lives were changed forever just weeks before their wedding after the bride suffered a life-altering injury during her hen party. Craig Bolton and Carla Horton, from Dudley, hoped to tie the knot on Friday, May 30, at St Chad's church in Coseley.
However, near-tragedy struck five weeks before the big day when Carla, 44, was celebrating her hen weekend in Skegness. In a split second, her life changed forever. She even later offered to leave her husband - an idea he rejected out of hand.
While getting ready for a night out with friends, Carla attempted a party trick that went horribly wrong. Carla recounted the incident, saying: "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."
The accident left Carla momentarily unconscious, and when she regained consciousness, she was unable to move. Her friends quickly called for an ambulance and informed her fiancé, Craig.
He described the moment he received the news, saying: "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."
Rushing to Pilgrim Hospital Boston, Craig was met with the shocking sight of Carla in the resuscitation unit, strapped up and fighting for her life. But, refusing to let the incident disrupt their plans, the couple decided to rearrange their wedding to take place in a Nottingham hospital, ensuring Carla can still participate in the ceremony despite her injuries.
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Pilgrim hospital carried out detailed scans to understand the extent of the damage. She was then was moved to Nottingham Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) for MRI examinations and crucial spinal surgery.
The rapid response from medical staff has been deemed crucial in Carla's current ability to battle on. 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." The couple say Nottingham University Hospitals ' (NUH) team, particularly Michelle Elmsley, the Spinal Cord Injury Lead, played a significant role in creating these positive outcomes. Michelle 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." Every day without fail, Craig makes the three-hour round trip from Dudley to be by his fiancée's side. Shortly after the accident, Carla selflessly suggested to Craig that he could leave if the burden became too much.
Carla added: "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 firmly declined 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."
Following a five-week stay in hospital, Carla and Craig resolved not to delay their nuptials, opting instead to adapt their plans and hold their ceremony in the chapel at Queen's Medical Centre in 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." The Nottingham University Hospitals Charity has been instrumental in organising the couple's special day, taking care of food, decorations, flowers, and even securing 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.
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"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 celebrated their union in a private and intimate ceremony at the chapel at Queen's on May 30, followed by a small gathering with close family, friends, and members of the Spinal Cord Injury team.
NUH Spinal Cord Injury Lead Michelle said: "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."
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