TEARS welled in the eyes of Danika Schofield's family and friends as her dad tenderly squeezed the young bride's arm before giving her away.

The 18-year-old walked up the aisle on Saturday, days before going into hospital for cancer treatment.

When Gavin Brown, 20, proposed to her on Valentine's Day the couple planned to get married next May.

But when Danika was diagnosed with five tumours in her abdomen they decided to organise their dream wedding in just a month.

Danika, who lives in Ramleaze, West Swindon, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in September 2000 and has bravely fought off cancer three times before.

And she used her special day at the Ivy Hotel in Wroughton as a chance to remember friends who have died from the disease.

On the tables at the reception, she displayed photos and wrote poems about each of her missing friends, including best friend Abigail Taylor-Silk, who lost her battle with cancer two years ago.

Forever thinking of others, she even decorated the tables with her friends' favourite flowers.

Danika said: "A lot of them didn't have a chance to have their own special day.

"I wanted them to have a chance to share my day and for people to remember them. This way it is like them being here with us."

But Danika did not let any sadness into her day, inspiring her friends and family to share in her happiness.

"It has been all I ever wanted, my dream wedding, especially because of my darling husband," she said.

"We haven't planned a honeymoon.

"But we are hoping to be able to get away for a couple of days this week, before I go into hospital on Thursday."

Gavin said: "Even though it has been short notice and Easter, everyone we wanted here has made it.

"That's what means the most to us."

Danika struggled to get into her white corseted satin, crystal encrusted gown, because she was still recovering from stomach surgery to have one of the tumours removed, but friends and relatives agreed she was a beautiful bride.

Bridesmaids Danika's sister Jade and Gavin's sisters Fay and Kate wore chocolate coloured dresses as they followed her down the aisle, with three pageboys.

Before the couple exchanged gold rings, Jade overcame her nerves to give a reading from the Bible for her sister.

Following the vows, mum Karen said: "It was a beautiful ceremony. We are so proud of her, and looking forward to her wonderful future with Gavin."

Danika's dad Paul fought back tears as he told how proud he was of his daughter.

He said: "She has been so strong, and looks so beautiful.

"She's been an inspiration to us and she really deserves this happy day."

Danika said that she did not know what the future would hold.

"You've got to stay upbeat. There is nothing else you can do.

"I'm going to see my consultant on Thursday, then what treatment I'll have will all depend on that."

When Danika was given the all-clear for the third time she started dating Gavin, who was her boss at Asda. She said it was her dream come true.

But the bride is determined not to let the dream turn into a nightmare.

"I'm not going to let this beat me," she said.

"This is has been the happiest day of my life.

"There is no sadness and we are just looking forward to living out life together." During the reception, guests enjoyed champagne and a gourmet dinner, while listening to Mr and Mrs Brown's favourite romantic songs.

The bride, who is not too keen on dried fruit and icing, then opted for the mountain of Ferrero Rocher chocolates instead of a traditional cake.

The Ivy's wedding co-ordinator Paula Slayford said she had never planned a wedding so quickly.

"When Danika and Gavin came in and said they wanted to get married in April, I got out the diary for April 2008," she said.

"They are so positive it is impossible to feel sad with them around.

"We just wanted to make their day really special."