Terminally ill woman who persuaded Northern Ireland government to allow her to marry her partner during lockdown dies just three months after tying the knot
- Samantha Byrne’s wedding plans were disrupted due to Covid-19 restrictions
- The bride lobbied Northern Ireland politicians to allow her to marry in lockdown
- She married Frankie at their Co Down home with their two children by their side
- Several other friends and family watched the poignant ceremony via a video link
A terminally ill woman who persuaded the Northern Ireland Executive to allow her to marry her partner during lockdown has died.
Samantha Byrne had planned her wedding to take place in May this year. However, the Covid-19 restrictions disrupted her plans.
She was able to marry her partner Frankie Byrne at their Co Down home after the first and deputy first ministers, Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill, agreed to allow marriage ceremonies if a person was terminally ill.
Terminally ill Samantha Byrne who persuaded the Northern Ireland Executive to allow her to marry her partner Frankie during lockdown has died
The family began to lobby politicians while Samantha was receiving treatment for a terminal cancer diagnosis.
The lobbying case was co-ordinated over a 10-day period and was presented to the politicians.
Lockdown measures were eventually lifted and Samantha and Frankie tied the knot at the end of May.
The pair were engaged when she was told her cancer was terminal and she had two years to live.
The pair got married at their home in Loughbrickland with two of their children by their side while other family members watched via video link.
A funeral notice said that Samantha, described as the darling wife of Frank, died on Sunday at the Southern Area Hospice.
The couple married in the back garden of their home in Loughbrickland with 6 close relatives while live streaming to other family
Her funeral will take place on Wednesday.
Mourners have been asked not to send flowers, but instead to donate to the hospice.
The funeral notice said: ‘Very deeply regretted by the entire family circle.’
DUP leader Mrs Foster tweeted: ‘Very sorry to hear this sad news.
‘I don’t think anyone could have failed to be touched by this couple. My deepest sympathy.’
A florist who provided the flowers for Samantha’s wedding day posted an online tribute: ‘It is with the deepest sadness and heaviest heart, that I let you all know our beautiful bride Samantha has passed away.
‘Many of you will remember her and Frankie’s plight to get married at the start of lockdown.
Samantha and Frankie were engaged when she was told her cancer was terminal and she had two years to live
‘Determination, will, pure love and devotion and an amazing family and friend support gave Samantha her wish.
‘On behalf of us all we extend our deepest sympathy to Frankie and the family circle and all of Samantha’s vast army of friends. May she rest in peace.’