TRIBUTES have poured in for an inspirational hospice bride who fulfilled her wish to marry her fiancé of 30 years – days before she succumbed to cancer.

June Carter died this (Thursday, October 9) morning surrounded by her family at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham, where she was an in-patient.

The 60-year-old of Sacriston, married long-term partner Jim Carter, 75, at moving ceremony at the hospice last Friday.

The, couple, together for 32 years and engaged for 30 years, decided to wed when she was told of her worsening condition.

It was arranged by hospice staff within a week. Dressed in a wedding gown chosen by daughter Claire, she was given away by her father Albert Hockaday.

Speaking afterwards, a delighted Mrs Carter said: “I'm absolutely buzzing! Jim proposed to me a few times, but I’ve always said no. You are working, you are busy, you don’t get round to it.

“I am at the end of my life now and I thought it’s the last thing me and Jim are ever going to do.

"I wanted to marry him – to show world that I do love him and he loves me. It’s the very last thing we wanted to do.”

A message on St Cuthbert’s Hospice Facebook page broke the sad news and within hours more than 160 messages of condolence were left, while hundreds more people expressed their sympathies.

Gemma Sharpe wrote: “So sad, but as always St Cuthbert’s your work is amazing and she had a beautiful wedding.”

Gill Pinkney said: “So sad to hear this, it has been a privilege to know June for the 18 months she came to Day Hospice.

“She will leave a huge gap in many people’s lives. A truly inspirational lady. We will miss her so much.”

Jonathan Easter added: “So sorry to hear this, but so happy that she was able to marry her true love surrounded by her loved ones. Rest in Peace.”