A COURAGEOUS bride chose the biggest day of her life to take a positive stand against cancer.

In front of dozens of wedding guests, Michelle Clark had all of her hair shaved off to raise awareness and funds for The Christie Hospital.

Adrian, whom she calls Adie, proposed at the summit of Cat Bells in February 2018. However, one month later, his fiancée was diagnosed with cancer of the colon.

The Summerseat couple were staying in the Lake District when Michelle received test results informing her she had “severe iron deficiency anaemia” and needed an iron transfusion as soon as possible.

Following further tests, Michelle underwent surgery at North Manchester General Hospital. Medical staff were successful in removing the tumour and six days later, Michelle was discharged. But she was told she would need six months of chemotherapy and was referred to The Christie.

“I had already decided that if I was going to lose my hair because of treatment that I would take control and shave it off before it fell out", Michelle said. "As it turned out, the type of treatment I had meant that I didn’t lose my hair.

Following what she described as "a tough six months", just before Christmas, mother-of-two Michelle was given the 'all clear', and the couple felt able to begin planning their wedding.

On Saturday, July 13, Adie and Michelle tied the knot during a special ceremony at Ramsbottom Civic Hall, followed by afternoon tea on a steam train on the East Lancashire Railway.

During their evening reception at Ramsbottom Cricket Club, Michelle, aged 45, and her sister Lorraine Clark, aged 47, both “braved the shave” surrounded by dozens of friends and family members.

Michelle, a physiotherapist, said: “I had the most amazing day. It was perfect in every way.

"I felt I wanted to give something back. I couldn’t think of a bigger platform to do it on other than our wedding day, surrounding by all those who have been so supportive to us.”

She added: “Adie has been my absolute rock through all of this – I couldn’t have had more love, support, encouragement or strength. He says he loves my new hair cut!"

Adie, who works at a local council and who is also a member of the Army reserve, said: "I’m a lucky man to have found Michelle."

The couple also held a raffle which helped to raise £700 for the cause. They will have a family honeymoon in the Dominican Republic later this year.