Dying eight-year-old 'marries' his school sweetheart

A boy of eight suffering from leukaemia 'married' his sweetheart the day before he died.

Reece Fleming, from Mackworth, Derbyshire, clung to life just long enough for his wedding to Elleanor Pursglove – also eight – because he had always wanted to be her husband.

The youngsters exchanged rings in a mock ceremony at Reece's home.



His mother, Lorraine Fleming, said: 'They have been good friends for years. He had asked her a few times before and she decided to accept. It is something he had his heart set on.

'It may seem like a strange thing to do but their friendship was very strong. 'It was emotional, you can't really describe in words what it was like. They were both very quiet but there was a lot of feeling in the room.'

Elleanor's mother, Hannah, said: 'She is missing him a lot now. It was very special, he just kept smiling at her.'