A RETIRED police officer and his wife have shown ‘immense courage’ in the face of adversity after learning he had just days to live, the chair of Cumbria Police Federation has said.

Last week, former Barrow police officers, Mark and Lianne Dempster, said ‘I do’ after tying the knot at Furness General Hospital.

On June 16, Mr Dempster, a retired Barrow police officer of 25 years, was told he had weeks – if not days – to live after a shock terminal cancer diagnosis.

The dad-of-one, who retired from the force in September, told nurses that he wanted to marry the love of his life, Lianne, whom he had might whilst working in the force.

Two hours later, the nurse informed the pair that a registrar had been booked, hair and makeup was arranged, staff volunteered their own wedding dresses for Lianne to wear, food and drinks had been organised, decorations were in place and a personalised cake had been ordered, all whilst carrying out their own life-saving work.

READ MORE: Barrow couple thank Furness General Hospital for arranging dream wedding

In utter disbelief and gratitude, the pair offered up overwhelming praise to the staff at Furness General Hospital’s Ward 9 who helped give the couple their ‘dream wedding’.

Paul Williams, chair of Cumbria Police Federation, shared a post online praising the couple’s ‘immense courage’ in the face of terrible news.

He said: “Mark was a fantastic police officer, he was a very reliable and knowledgeable cop that would tutor and guide younger officers always giving time to help others and I really enjoyed having the pleasure of occasionally working with him.

“He has such a level head and calm approach that shines through. Mark was a traffic officer for some time and has some very close friends from this unit one of which is Mark Richardson who was best man on the wedding day and remains in close touch with Mark and Lianne.

“Mark and Lianne are two of a kind and both have and continue to show immense courage in the face of terrible news.

“They are both at home spending their remaining and precious time together and they have sent heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ward 9 in Furness General Hospital for going above and beyond to give Mark and Lianne the best possible moments together.

“I also want to extend my thanks to them from the policing family their efforts and kindness will never be forgotten.

“I’m sure you will all join me in sending Mark and Lianne all our thoughts, prayers and best wishes and also be humbled by their bravery and tenacity.

“My message to Mark and Lianne is also one of sincere thanks as your courage and attitude in these times is an example to us all.”