Naomi Thomas

A Somerset woman has been praised for her achievements after launching a charity which plans weddings for the terminally ill.

Naomi Thomas, 31, from Wellington, has set up and run the Wishing Well Foundation, which has already seen six couples get married.

Naomi was diagnosed with cancer herself back in April 2009, two days after getting engaged to her partner. In 2010, just six days after her son was born, she was told her cancer was incurable.

This is news that would understandably devastate anyone, but determined not to let it beat her, Naomi instead decided to turn her experience into something which could benefit others.

She said: “Winning this award has really been incredible and I still can’t quite believe it. Visiting Downing Street was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I have met some wonderful women who will continue to inspire me as I carry on my work to help terminally ill people arrange their dream wedding. Taking home the award is fantastic – the recognition it gives me and my team means a lot as we all invest so much time and energy in the charity. I do my job because I love it. Every time I see a happy couple say their vows it makes all of the hours worthwhile.”

She explained how her own wedding day had initially been cancelled due to the burdens of her illness. However, her luck turned around after a wedding planner heard of their emotive story, and offered them help at minimal expense. Naomi then launched the charity after being inspired by this act of kindness.

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