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Beatson Cancer Charity helped make Michael and Liz Reilly's special day even more meaningful by gifting the couple's wedding favours after they won a charity competition.
A couple from Paisley have renewed their wedding vows while making the most of every moment together after the groom was diagnosed with incurable stage 4 colorectal cancer, with Beatson Cancer Charity helping make their special day even more meaningful through a wedding favour competition.
Michael Reilly, 45, and his wife Liz, 52, renewed their vows surrounded by family and friends after winning Beatson Cancer Charity pin badges to give to guests as wedding favours.
PICTURED: The Bride and Groom, Liz and Michael Reilly.
The competition was launched by the charity to give one lucky couple a meaningful addition to their special day while helping raise awareness of the support available to people affected by cancer.
Michael was diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2024 after visiting his GP with changes to his bowel habits while taking part in a weight management programme. Following further investigations, he was told the cancer had spread to his liver and peritoneum.
He now receives palliative chemotherapy to help control the cancer and prolong his life. Throughout his treatment, he has experienced complications including blood clots, pneumonia and colitis. Despite the challenges, the couple were determined to celebrate their love by renewing the vows they first made on June 30 2012.
Liz said: "We'd always talked about renewing our vows for a milestone anniversary, but after Michael was diagnosed, we decided not to wait.
"It was actually our daughter's idea. She said we should do it now while Michael was well enough to enjoy the day, and we're so glad we did."
The celebration brought together around 100 family members and friends, creating treasured memories for the couple. Adding another special touch to the day, Michael wore the Beatson Cancer Charity tartan kilt, proudly incorporating the charity into one of the most important days of their lives.
Michael said: "It was a brilliant day. I was on cloud nine from start to finish. It was so special having everyone together to celebrate with us."
As part of the competition, the couple chose Beatson Cancer Charity pin badges as their wedding favours. Every adult day guest received one alongside some of the wedding suppliers and by the end of the evening many of the venue staff were proudly wearing them too.
Liz said: "It was lovely seeing everyone wearing the badges throughout the day. Some guests had left theirs behind after the meal, so the staff put them on instead.
"It felt really special knowing people wanted to wear them and support the charity. It meant a lot to us."
PICTURED: Liz and Michael Reilly
Throughout Michael's treatment, the couple have also received support from Beatson Cancer Charity. Michael has visited the charity's Wellbeing Centre, while Liz has been supported through Beatson Cancer Charity's telephone befriending service, where she receives regular calls from a trained volunteer.
Liz said: "Having someone to talk to has made such a difference. Sometimes you hold things back because you don't want to worry the person who's going through treatment, but you still need someone to speak to.
"Knowing there's somebody there to listen has been incredibly important. It's given me a space to talk openly about how I'm feeling and has reminded me that I'm not facing this alone."
Since Michael's diagnosis, the couple have focused on making the most of the time they have together by creating lasting memories with family and embracing every opportunity to enjoy life.
Liz said: "Michael now receives palliative chemotherapy because his cancer is incurable. Our main aim is to enjoy the time we have left together, making memories with our family.
"As a couple, another big thing for us is having as many date days and date nights as we can, trying new and different things. Renewing our vows was one of those memories we'll treasure forever, and winning the Beatson Cancer Charity wedding favours made the day even more special."
Michael added: "You just have to make the most of the time you have together. We're really grateful to Beatson Cancer Charity for helping make our day even more memorable."
Kathleen McLaren, Head of Trading at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: "We were delighted to gift Michael and Liz their wedding favours for such a special occasion. Their vow renewal was a wonderful celebration of love, resilience and making precious memories together.
"We know that a cancer diagnosis can change life's plans in an instant, so it means a great deal that Beatson Cancer Charity could play a small part in helping make their day even more memorable. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we're also able to provide services such as our Wellbeing Centre and telephone befriending service, which offer practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer and their loved ones. We wish Michael, Liz and their family every happiness as they continue to make the most of every moment together."
