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Search forCrushed mechanic makes it down the aisle (with video)
Saturday, August 16, 2008, 07:30
Doctors agreed to postpone David Stokes' operation to repair a shattered leg bone – following Wednesday's accident – so he could marry fiancee Laura at a moving ceremony yesterday.
In spite of the pain, the 23-year-old AA employee managed to stand with the aid of crutches at the altar as his wife-to-be walked up the aisle.
He also managed to stand throughout the ceremony – although it was kept short to save him too much pain.
Afterwards, the newlyweds made their way back down the aisle, David supported by his crutches and a supporting hand from his new wife.
But the father-of-two had to spend the rest of the wedding and reception in a wheelchair – which had been decorated for the occasion by friends.
The newlywed's leg was injured while he was repairing a vehicle in Woodside Drive, Allestree, on Wednesday, when something went wrong and he became trapped between the car and a wall.
David – who had only been employed by the firm for five weeks – was freed by fire crews.
He was taken to Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, where doctors confirmed he had a crushed tibia and would have to have an operation.
He said: "The car crushed my leg. I couldn't feel it at all.
"I was trapped for at least 15 minutes – I was just trying to stay awake. I had to be given morphine for the pain.
"Everything was going through my mind, particularly my children and the wedding. But I was still determined to walk down the aisle. I didn't want it to ruin our big day."
Laura, also 23, told how doctors thought the wedding would have to be cancelled because David needed an operation.
The couple had been planning the big day for 18 months and had spent more than £5,000 on their big day.
Twenty-four members of Laura's family had also travelled down from Scotland for the occasion.
But then doctors decided to try an alternative treatment and put David in a full leg cast. He will be assessed again in a week.
She said: "First of all they told us the wedding couldn't go ahead and I was so upset. I was just so relieved when we found out we could tie the knot as planned.
"He has to go back next week and see how it's healing and might have to have the operation then but at least we could still get married.
"I was so pleased, I thought even if I have to push him round the dance floor for our first dance I wouldn't mind. I'm just glad he's OK."
The couple, of Fellow Lands Way, Chellaston, married at St Edmund's Church in Shelton Lock, followed by a reception at Derby Conference Centre, in London Road.
They have two children, Trafford, five, named after the home of Premier League champions Manchester United whom David supports, and Skyla-May, two.
David said: "We were planning on having a late honeymoon in November, but it looks like we will have to put that back and go away next year instead."
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just married: David in his wheelchair with new wife Laura
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