Lisa Simkin, a 48-year-old mother from Nottingham, UK, was given just months to live after being diagnosed with emphysema, a life-threatening lung condition.
However, the proving miracles can happen, Lisa was recently given away at her wedding by the father of the organ donor who saved her life.
Back in 2013, Lisa was told that she only had months to live after the deadly condition left her confined to a wheelchair and barely able to breathe.
With such dire news, the UK mum even put plans in action to have her youngest daughter adopted by friends in Australia.
However, when John and Jane’s daughter died from a brain haemorrhage at 33, just days after giving birth to her baby daughter, the couple carried out her wish to donate her organs and Lisa was given the wonderful news her life could be saved.
Speaking to The Mirror, Lisa revealed that when she tied the knot with her fiance, Jim, she knew she wanted John to walk her down the aisle.
“I didn’t have a dad to ask because he had passed away several years ago, so I couldn’t think of anyone I would want more beside me than John.”
Speaking of her big day, she added: “I was doing okay, I was completely calm until I saw John looking absolutely amazing dressed up in his kilt.
“John didn’t say anything, he just gave me a squeeze. He didn’t need to say anything because he was like family.
“The music started and I could feel my eyes well up with tears. It was such an emotional moment because John was holding me, looking at me. I told myself, ‘Don’t cry’ because I knew if I started I wouldn’t be able to stop.
“As John started walking me down the aisle I tried not to look at anyone, my bottom lip was wobbling. But I couldn’t help but look across to Rhona’s mum, Jane, and she was crying, and that was it.”
John, 60, who was Rhona’s stepdad, added: “It was a privilege to give Lisa away at her wedding. It gave me great pleasure.” Jane, 56, said: “It was a very emotional day. As I watched Lisa walk down the aisle, I could see Rhona.
“They don’t look like each other but they are built in the same way, and have very much the same mannerisms. Seeing my daughter in Lisa made me upset but also really happy because the wedding day would never have happened if it hadn’t been for Rhona.”
This article originally appeared on New Idea.
