A TERMINALLY ill 19-year-old leukaemia sufferer will today marry his fiancee.

Martin Black, of Gateshead, and Susan Smith, also 19, of Washington, Wearside, had planned to marry in June.

But they have moved their wedding forward because Martin's condition has deteriorated.

He was diagnosed in November 2000, but doctors told him last month he might only have three months to live.

Susan said: "I am really excited, but very nervous too. We managed to change the date at short notice, so we have just been rushing round preparing everything.

"This is what we both want, it is going to be a very emotional day."

Susan said Martin would be in a wheelchair because he had lost the strength in his legs.

The couple are keeping the venue secret but say it will be a big wedding with many family and friends.

Susan said: "We are determined to make the most of the time Martin has left. I am going to be really proud."

The couple hope that Susan will have a baby through IVF treatment, using sperm that was frozen before Martin's chemotherapy started.

Martin said his health was deteriorating and that he and Susan "just wanted to get married as soon as possible".