Heart-Warming ceremony for couple after vicious attack postponed wedding

Tuesday, 16 May 2023 12:53

By Josh Bairstow, Coastal News @JoshB_Journo

The moving ceremony was organized by hospital staff (Credit Sara Ann Smith)

Hospital staff arranged the promise ring ceremony after the Groom-to-be was left fighting for his life following a vicious attack

Whilst out enjoying his stag do, Lee Burns, 41, was punched outside Boca Bar in Breck Road at around 1:25 am on April 16th.

Ambulance crews attended the scene with the dad-of-three being rushed to Royal Preston Hospital for a life-saving operation after suffering a fractured skull.

Doctors operated on Lee for three hours, with part of his skull and brain being removed by surgeons to stop two bleeds and ease pressure from swelling, he was then placed in an induced coma with his wife-to-be, Sara Ann Smith, at his bedside until he woke up 10 days later.

The couple celebrated the event with friends, family, and Staff (Credit: Sara Ann Smith)

The couple had originally planned to tie the know on May 13th but due to the horrific attack, their wedding was postponed, then, on Saturday (May 14th) the couple exchanged promise rings in a heart-warming ceremony arranged by hospital staff.

“We didn’t get married today, but we did have a blessing of our engagement and our continuous love for each other,” Sara said.

“We exchanged promises and promise rings to be the future Mr & Mrs. Smith-Burns.

“Massive thank you to the staff on ward six for their kindness in arranging all this and decorating a special room for us today and literally providing everything from flowers, cake, and food.

“They went above and beyond today and I will be forever grateful.

“Today was special.”