Mum organises last wish weddings for people with terminal illnesses after being inspired by own whirwind romance with childhood crush

Rachael Kirkwood, 32, is the founder of Wish for a Wedding, a charity which provides dream weddings for couples dealing with a terminal illness.

Through a network of professional volunteers across the country and a database of businesses willing to donate or work at cost, the charity organises weddings at short notice and at a reasonable price for people who have less than a year to live.

Wish for a Wedding organised the wedding of Jay Faulkner, 36, and his new wife Tracey.  Jay was given just three weeks to live when the charity stepped in

And Rachael is hosting a black-tie Valentine’s Charity Ball in Bowdon Rugby Club on Friday February 17 to boost the Wish for a Wedding’s coffers and help even more couples’ dreams come true.

Stretford mind-reader and hypnotist, who did a stint at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Manchester band the Essoldos are lined up to perform.

The £45 ticket also includes a three-course meal and auction, with a trip for two to Paris among the lots. Guests are invited to wear their wedding dress or ball gown.

“Without the help of the public we cannot help more couples have this last special day,” said Rachael.

Rachael was inspired to set up the charity after marrying her childhood crush Paddy in December 2015.

Rachael's wedding to childhood crush Paddy inspired her to start a charity to help people with terminal illnesses to marry their partner

Rachael used to send anonymous Valentine’s cards to Paddy whilst at school at Blessed Thomas Holford and years later, Paddy asked Rachael out after reconnecting on Facebook.

Just three months after their first date, in July 2015, Paddy proposed in Paris and they were married by the end of the year.

Rachael's pictured in Paris with childhood crush Paddy on their wedding day

Following the wedding, Rachael decided to donate her dress and offer her services as a photographer to a charity but, after organising her own dream wedding in less than a month, she decided to set one up herself.

“I had my dream day with my dream man who I fancied since I was 12 and I felt it only fair that I helped couples who didn’t have as much money and are dealing with a terminal illness have their special day,” added Rachael.

The charity was set up in January 2016 and the charity has helped four couples wed so far.

And 2017 it is set to get even busier for Rachael, as she is expecting identical twins, after having daughter Mollie five months ago. The twins and Mollie will be 10 months apart and will join Rachael and Paddy’s two boys from previous relationships.

Paddy and Rachael's daughter Mollie was born five months ago. Rachael is now pregnant with twins and will soon have three babies under 10 months

“Volunteers in Manchester would be great as my life is going to get very hectic,” said Rachael.

“And I’d love to help more people in our area.”

Rachael’s most recent wedding took place in January. 36-year-old Jay Faulkner was given just three weeks to live and Wish for a Wedding organised a wedding for him and partner Tracey in just two weeks.

“In his last days you’d expect him to be sad but we made sure he had the best day of his life with all of his friends and family before it was too late,” said Rachael.

“It’s heart-breaking but nice to know we made it possible with the help of so many generous people from around the country offering their services.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the charity or has a terminal illness and would like to apply for a wedding should email info@wishforawedding.co.uk or visit wishforawedding.co.uk.

Tickets for the Valentine’s ball, which starts at 8pm, are available from the rugby club. Alternatively call Rachael on 07958514648 or email the above address.