AN incredible act of kindness has given brave Wagga man Daniel Paton the chance to marry the love of his life, Ashlea.

Terminally ill with advanced melanoma, Daniel was rushed to Canberra’s Calvary Hospital on Sunday with Ashlea, his beloved partner of eight months, by his side.

The young couple’s commitment to each other quickly touched the hearts of hardworking nursing staff, who were desperate to ensure the pair had a chance to give their beautiful love story a fitting end.

Under the guidance of director of nursing Kerrie-Ann Hayes, staff at Calvary Hospital banded together to hold the hospital’s first wedding.

Everything from the stunning cake – prepared by catering staff – to Ashlea’s gorgeous, flowing wedding dress was taken care of by the wonderful men and women working within the hospital.

“It was the day he had always hoped for,” Daniel’s father David Paton said yesterday.

“There were about 60 guests from Daniel and Ashlea’s families, plus a lot of hospital staff.

“We held the reception down near the front entrance of the chapel ... it was a wonderful day.”

The proud father said both families had been overjoyed to watch the couple have the chance to cement their love for each other. 

“From day one I told Daniel she was a keeper and I told Ashlea she was number one,” he said.

“Ashlea is a wonderful girl ... she has stood by Daniel and has always been there to support him.”

Daniel, who worked as a knife handler at Teys Bros, was diagnosed with melanoma 12 months ago after taking the top off a mole on his arm and causing it to bleed.

“Knocking the top off this mole brought it to Daniel’s attention and prompted him to visit his doctor,” Dr Richard Harrison, chairman of the Amie St Clair Melanoma Trust, said.

“Tests confirmed the mole on his arm was melanoma but, unfortunately by this stage, the cancer had started to spread.”

Sadly, further testing revealed glands under his arms were also affected by the disease – the cancer responsible for the most deaths in young people aged between 18 and 35.

“We treated these glands and we actually thought we got it all,” Dr Harrison said.

“But, then secondary cancers started to pop up in his lungs, liver and skin.”

With each new battle, the inspirational young man’s positive attitude and determination to beat the disease never faltered.

Over the past 12 months Daniel, who has a passion for music and a strong loyalty to his friends, has endured numerous operations and rounds of chemotherapy and was placed in experimental treatment programs.

“These are exciting drugs and a lot of research is continuing into these experimental treatments,” Dr Harrison said.

“Two years ago if Daniel had presented like this, he probably would have been given six months but these drugs have extended his life for another six months.

“It is hoped that if these drugs can prolong someone’s life for six months, then there are drugs out there that will give people even longer.”