THE FLYING Bull pub in Rake came to the rescue for the wedding of a bride whose father had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Peter Doran was diagnosed with MND in December, but the Flying Bull helped rescue his daughter Laura’s special day before Peter died last month aged 63.

Laura (21), who is known as by her friends as Enzo, married Luke Wadey (25) at Petersfield Register Office last month.

The couple’s reception venue pulled out at short notice, but Laura’s mother Sharon Doran (57) said the Flying Bull came to the rescue.

“I would like to give a big thank you to the Flying Bull,” she said.

“When my husband got diagnosed with MND in December my daughter had just got engaged, so she brought her wedding forward to June.

“We had a venue booked and didn’t worry, but a short time before they emailed me to say they couldn’t do it so I was panicking and couldn’t find anywhere.

“We got in the car and drove down to find a pub that could hold people outside.

“My husband was getting quite poorly by then, but came with us with Ella the pug.

“We came across the Flying Bull. The landlady Mel was fantastic – she took us in her arms and planned a wedding in two weeks. She mocked up the pub as a church for my husband to walk her down the aisle.

“My daughter and her new husband said loving vows to each other. Mel arranged the first dance, cake cutting, waitress service, buffet, speeches champagne and Pimm’s in the garden, and she closed the pub to the public. Mel put Peter’s speech on the tables so everyone could read it, as MND meant his voice was struggling.

“It was a beautiful sunny day so we had the whole garden. Mel was absolutely amazing and is such a lovely lady.

“My husband Peter was in hospital, but he came out two days before the wedding. The wedding day was the only day he was well. It was so special.

“Thank you Mel and the team from the Flying Bull for making my daughter’s dream come true. What lovely memories we have.”