SHE has helped raise hundreds of pounds for charity despite being ill with cancer but now well-wishers have given Sarah Frank something back - a dream wedding with the man of her life.

Businesses and friends offered Sarah and groom Simon Starkey a free wedding car, venue decoration, waiters, butler, hair and make-up, magic entertainment, photography and video.

The couple, of Heworth, York, have raised funds for charities including Mind, York Against Cancer and eating disorder charity Beat, and Sarah took the opportunity at last Sunday’s wedding at York Maze to put collection boxes on the candy cart for the cancer charity.

Sarah, who has been with Simon for 13 years, said that while marriage was always on the cards, her cancer diagnosis had brought the planning forward.

“When life takes a different turn, you suddenly realise what’s important to you and what you would really like to do.

“It was always important to us that the wedding would be a celebration of all the wonderful people we have around us and that’s exactly what it was.

“In particular, I have to thank my mum, dad and sister Helen, and Simon’s family, for all they do for us, I love them all dearly.”

Her friend Kirsty Perkins, who organised the wedding, said Sarah’s father suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and recently had a mini stroke but was determined to walk her down the aisle, and did so to the tune ‘You’ve got a friend in me,’ from Toy Story.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!” she said.

“Friends and family came together to provide a truly memorable day and suppliers from all over donated services, including cars and venue decoration by Limelight Wedding Cars, a photo booth by Omega Photo Booths, wedding party transport by Anytime Travel York, waiting staff and butler by the Grand Hotel, entertainment by Josh Benson, a bar by Elite Bars, catering by Friends for Dinner, wedding stationary by A1 Press Ltd, flowers by Wild Floral Couture, Julie Mercer for make up, Vicky Ward from Evolve hairdressing for hair and Vikki from the Amazing Wedding Company.”

Kirsty added: “I have known Sarah for years, and she is one of the most selfless people you could ever meet. She is passionate about fundraising and helping people as much as she can, and is always first in the line to offer her time.

“I work in the wedding industry and when she said she and Simon wanted to get married but didn’t know where to begin, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to put Sarah first and give her a day to remember.

“Sarah and Simon are such a wonderful couple it wasn’t hard to get people on board to help. The day was filled with joy and laughter and will be such a happy memory for so many people. I can’t begin to thank everyone enough for what they did on Sunday.”