Cockayne syndrome sufferer Amy Garton-Hughes to tie the knot with Texan sweetheart

Feb 17 2010 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

BRAVE Wallasey teenager Amy Garton-Hughes will see her wedding dreams come true this summer.

Love blossomed when Amy, 18, met Nick Jaminet, also 18, five years ago in Boston.

But their romance has faced more obstacles than most as the couple both have the rare and debilitating premature ageing disorder Cockayne Syndrome.

Nick lives in Texas, which means the couple have to keep in touch mainly by phone and via the internet.

Last year Amy and Nick became engaged – and on July 4 they will have their relationship blessed at a special ceremony.

The service, to be conducted by the Chaplain of Claire House Hospice, will take place during the fourth annual meet-up for CS families from across the world.

The event, at St David’s Hotel in Queensferry, is organised by Amy & Friends, the charity set up by her family to help other sufferers.

Amy’s mum Jayne Hughes said: “It’s brilliant news and we’re so happy and excited to be helping their dream come true.

“Amy and Nick are absolutely delighted.”

Amy’s family are appealing for help from anyone who can help make the couple’s big day as special as possible.

Her wedding dress has been donated by Bridesworld in Poulton and the search is on for the right veil.

Jayne said: “We tried some dresses on on Tuesday and Amy had a beautiful tiara on – she looked gorgeous.

“She wants to wear a white dress and something with butterflies, because they’re her thing.

“She loved being in the shop. I asked her how she felt and she said ‘fabulous’!”