'Getting married while terminal kept me alive'

A man who was told he had just days to live has celebrated his second wedding anniversary after making an unexpected recovery.

Bendigo Davies, from Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, had a fast developing blood cancer and a blood clot in his lungs in 2024 and ended up with life-threatening complications.

The 77-year-old asked staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital to grant his last wish of marrying Arlaine, his partner of 40 years, on 26 January that year.

As the couple celebrated an anniversary they did not expect to reach, Davies said: "I truly believe the reason I survived is because I knew I was getting married. That hope kept me alive."

Davies was first admitted into hospital in a critical condition with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), which triggered the blood clot in his lung. It required urgent treatment with a blood thinner, but risked causing dangerous bleeding as his blood platelets were seriously low.

His wife said: "It was obvious to me that he was dying, I kept expecting it every day. I didn't speak to anyone about it, because I knew that would make it feel more real. It was terrifying, I was under no illusions about what might happen."

After tying the knot on a ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Davies spent the next six weeks being treated with chemotherapy. He was discharged home in early March 2024.

Two years later, his cancer is in complete remission but still requires a cycle of five full days of chemotherapy treatment every six weeks for the rest of his life.

Davies said: "I couldn't praise the nurses, doctors and staff enough, the care I received was incredible. I still go to the hospital every six weeks for treatment, and it is lovely to catch up with the staff, they have been amazing.

"We live every day as it comes, you never know what is going to happen tomorrow so if you want to do something, just do it."

The couple share a love of music and first met at a folk festival. Now thanks to his new lease of life Davies continues to play the guitar and sing.

Consultant haematologist Dr Sangam Hebballi said: "After spending six long weeks in the hospital going through significant illness and uncertainty, Bendigo has overcome multiple complex and life-threatening clinical challenges.

"With a positive mindset he continues to live life to the fullest with his wife, carefully balancing his ongoing chemotherapy on the Rowan Suite at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Bendigo's journey is a powerful story of hope and happiness."

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