Michael makes it down the aisle (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Michael makes it down the aisle

Michael McCann kisses his new wife Diana at St Mary's Church Ref: 78955-59FOR Michael McCann his wedding was the goal that kept him going after a horrific accident that killed a close friend.

And for new wife Diana it was a moment she feared would never come.

Guests watched as Michael seriously injured in a car crash last June walked down the aisle hand in hand with his bride.

Friends packed St Mary's Church, in Pinehurst, on Saturday for the emotional service.

Michael, 38, still bears the scars physical and psychological of the crash that killed 19-year-old Matthew Styles.

But grief gave way to hope as guests shared in the couple's big day.

Their three-year-old daughter, Ilena, earned smiles from guests as she sprinkled rose petals on the floor in front of the couple.

And after the service, it was her one-year-old brother Micky's turn to be in the limelight as the toddler was baptised.

After the ceremony, Diana, 32, said the day marked the start of a new chapter for the family, who live in Abbey Meads.

"Matthew was in our thoughts and I am sure he was also in the thoughts of our guests," she said.

"A lot happened in our lives last year and we will never forget that tragic accident.

"But this wedding symbolises a new start for Michael and I and we are determined to move forward."

In a break with tradition, 300 guests at the evening reception at The Moonraker's pub heard Diana give the customary speech.

In it, she thanked friends and family for their support over the past year.

"Michael still has difficulties speaking so we decided that I would do the speech," said Diana.

Among the guests was Jan Platt, the assistant manager of Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool where Michael still receives treatment.

She said: "We were all very proud to see Michael walk down that aisle.

"He has showed a lot of determination."

The happy couple will this week spend their honeymoon in Cyprus.

As the Advertiser reported at the time, Michael spent 13 weeks in hospital after the crash which happened in Pinehurst Road.

He popped the question to Diana from his hospital bed and throughout his long recovery he vowed to walk unaided out of the church with Diana as his wife.

Kevin Shoesmith