West Norfolk man's dying wish to get married granted

A West Norfolk man’s dying wish to be married was fulfilled with help from a hospice team and a village rector last month.

Keith Jarred, 72, of West Winch, died at his wedding reception at The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House, on Saturday, April 20.

Elizabeth Jarred, Mr Jarred’s widow, said: “Keith’s dying wish was to be married and it was all thanks to Judith Grundy that he was able to hold on and we were able to be married.”

Rev Judith Grundy, rector at St Mary’s Church in Denver, had to obtain a special marriage licence from the Archbishop of Canterbury to marry Mr and Mrs Jarred at the hospice in Hillington.

The pair, who had been in a relationship for six years, were regular church-goers at St Mary’s.

They had originally planned for the ceremony to take place on Saturday, April 20, to allow more friends and relatives to attend, but Rev Grundy married them on Good Friday as Mr Jarred’s condition had seemed to worsen.

On the Saturday, Rev Grundy returned to the hospice when the service was repeated and their wedding reception was held.

Mr Jarred, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February, died during the reception.

David Page, Mr Jarred’s colleague in the carpet-fitting trade, said: “He was a character and very well-respected for the quality of the workmanship he did.

“He will be missed in the carpet trade.”

“Elizabeth gave him incredible care leading up to his death and also the hospice at Hillington did exceptionally well in providing the area for Keith to get married in,” he added.

“He was obviously extremely weak at that point, and it was while people were finishing their desserts that he passed away.”

Lyndsay Carter, chief executive of The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House, said this is not the first wedding to have been held there.

She added: “I must stress this is only for a family who are inpatients with us and not well enough to go to another venue.”

Mr Jarred, who had previously lived and worked in Holt, had continued to take on work until January of this year.

He had been held in high regard in his trade, having become a ‘master fitter’ and also placing second in a competition in the 80s.

Mr Jarred’s funeral service, arranged by Thornalley Funeral Services, will take place tomorrow at St Mary’s Church in Denver at 11.30am followed by interment at Downham Market Cemetery. Flowers are welcome.