A COUPLE united by love have been joined in matrimony following their wedding ceremony on a ward at Derriford Hospital.

Dianne Martin and Roger Bounds FRCA became husband and wife on Monkswell Ward in front of family and staff.

Roger, aged 69, a patient at Derriford Hospital after falling ill in November 2010, proposed to Dianne aged 68, his partner of eight years.

Dianne said: "Roger proposed a week ago and everybody has been helping out, including Argos who stayed open late so I could choose a ring.

"A lot of people have been involved including HeartSWell who have been looking after me through Roger's illness. They've been wonderful."

The couple's 'adopted' sons, Mike Bottone and Sam Gordon, attended the wedding together with around 22 members of staff.

Roger wore a mauve shirt and tie complimenting Dianne's purple and black dress. The ceremony was conducted by registrar Jo Brewer followed by a blessing of the marriage by chaplains from the hospital.

Davina Finch, ward manager of Monkswell, said: "We just had a few hours to prepare for Roger and Dianne's wedding.

"It's just been really nice to make their day so special."

Dianne and Roger first met 30 years ago half way up a mountain in Italy, both on holiday with their respective families at the time, and kept in touch.

Dianne said: "We both had failed marriages and it was about eight years ago we decided we'd make a go of it together."

Originally living in West Sussex, the couple decided to move to Devon in their retirement and to be nearer Dianne's family.

Visions of the good life, a cottage and some chickens, did not materialise due to Roger's illness.

"He just couldn't walk one morning and was admitted to hospital. I've been backwards and forwards ever since and HeartSWell have looked after me so well," added Dianne.

Roger was a university lecturer and a photographer during the '60s working for Harpers Bizarre and Queen magazine, during which time he got to know world famous photographers David Bailey and Lords Litchfield and Snowdon.