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UK: Terminally ill gay man dies three days after marrying husband

Apr 14 2014
Written by Scott Roberts

A gay man has died three days after marrying his partner of 23 years in Oldham.

Richard Byram-Leech, 42, lost his battle with lung cancer and passed away on Thursday.

He married Cliff Byram-Leech, 58, in a moving ceremony last Monday at Chadderton Town Hall, Oldham, Greater Manchester.

The couple had planned to marry on 5 July, but Richard’s deteriorating health saw them bring the day forward.

Richard was diagnosed with cancer in October.

His widower Cliff told the Oldham Chronicle: “I felt Richard was very courageous for everything he’s gone through. We didn’t carry on with a celebration of our wedding but with a celebration of his life.”

He added: “When Richard was diagnosed we said straight away we should get married. It just seemed fitting to get married given the circumstances.”

Kay O’Neill, senior nurse at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “It’s been very mixed emotions, from being very happy on the wedding day to very sad at Richard’s death. But we were proud to be able to host a wedding family and friends were able to make into a special day.”