Bride with Motor Neurone Disease plans Leeds wedding at The Mansion

With the help of wedding suppliers and charities, Ruth Taylor and Rob Rippon will marry in May 2019

Avid traveller and dedicated hospital worker Ruth Taylor had her life turned upside down last summer.

In July 2018 Ruth was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), a neurological condition which affects the nerves and brain, and is incurable. The condition worsens over time and is fatal. Ruth was given an initial prognosis of just 18 months.  

Ruth and her partner Rob Rippon have been together for four years this February and plan to marry  before Ruth’s condition deteriorates further. The couple's wedding will take place on May 31st at The Mansion in Roundhay Park, Leeds. Event organisers Dine have offered the couple a generous deal for the venue hire and catering. 

“Since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of getting married at The Mansion,” said Ruth. 

Dr Stewart Manning is a Goodwill Ambassador for The Robert Sinclair Davidson Foundation, a charity that offers financial support to families and couples affected by terminal and life-threatening illnesses. Stewart is independently approaching charities and wedding suppliers who can offer their services to the couple for the big day. Stewart said: "We visited the venue last week and Ruth just lit up. It's really given her something to look forward to." Friends and family will come together at this intimate event, a day that will be about making once in a lifetime memories.

To date, photographer Stephen McNiven, magician Anthony Heaton and wedding planner and restaurateur Ira Silverman have agreed to offer their services for this very special occasion. The Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) has also given the couple a small donation towards their celebration. 

If you are a wedding supplier based in or near Leeds and would like to help Ruth and Rob, please get in touch. Email Julia.Odriscoll@archant.co.uk.