Hospice wedding touches hearts

Brian (67) had been diagnosed with cancer only six weeks before, and died on the evening of November 5 – but not before fulfilling his promise to Gisela.

November 7, 2017

ALBERTON RECORD 2 minutes read

MY LOVE: Brian and Gisela being congratulated after their wedding.

A MERE three days before his death, Stepping Stone Hospice patient Brian Sargent married his long-time love, Gisela Rall, in front of family and friends in an emotion-filled ceremony held in his room at the hospice’s in-patient unit on November 2.

Brian (67) had been diagnosed with cancer only six weeks before, and died on the evening of November 5 – but not before fulfilling his promise to Gisela.

The couple met at a biker function over 16 years ago. “He kept asking everyone for my number,” recalls Gisela. “He eventually asked me out, and for our first date took me with him on a Toy Run charity ride.”

Both divorcees, Gisela was initially reluctant to remarry. “I felt like I’d been there, done that. But Brian was persistent, so in February this year we decided to set a date.”

CONGRATULATIONS: On an emotional wedding day, there was loads of love to be shared all round.

The big day was planned for January 5, 2018 and Gisela already had her dress.

Gisela contacted Stepping Stone when it became clear that treatment and other interventions were no longer an option. “The ambulance we arranged to transport Brian broke down on the way to collect us, so we only managed to arrive at Stepping Stone after 8:30pm on Wednesday.”

Despite the late hour, Gisela says that clinical services manager Sister Sheryl Newman and CEO Tersia Burger were waiting to receive them with open arms.

CELEBRATION: After the couple finally said ‘I do’, it was time for celebration at Stepping Stone Hospice.

As a director of the Jasmine Lotus Foundation, an organisation that harnesses the power of philanthropy to help improve and change lives, Gisela was already well aware of Stepping Stone Hospice.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Brian and Gisela were surrounded by friends and family on their wedding day.

She was also among those who attended last year’s Coffee with Debbie event, at which 49-year-old hospice patient Debbie Townsend’s final wish to enjoy the company of some ‘good ole bikers’ was fulfilled when 500 bikers from all over Gauteng descended on Stepping Stone’s in-patient unit.

“The Stepping Stone staff have been absolutely amazing,” Gisela said before her wedding ceremony. “I cannot believe how quickly they got everything together for us to make our wedding possible, and cannot say thank you enough.”

CEO Tersia, speaking on behalf of the Stepping Stone Hospice team, said: “We would like to thank the late Brian, Gisela and their family and friends for allowing us to be a part of such a touching moment in their lives.”

IT IS TIME: Gisela receives encouragement from Stepping Stone Hospice staff ahead of her big moment.

Funeral arrangements

Brian’s funeral will take place at the Alberton Methodist Church at 2pm on November 9. The family expect around 300 people, including bikers and Masonry brethren, with a wake to be held at the Alberton Cricket Club afterwards. Anyone wishing to know more about the arrangements can contact Angie on 083 280 0922.