A Nottinghamshire dad-of-two who was diagnosed with dementia aged just 30 has tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart.
Daniel Bradbury, 31, made his own vows to bride Jordan during the ceremony at Arnot Hill Registry Office, telling her he hopes she remembers and cherishes those words when his memory fades.
Family and friends of the Hucknall couple – who have two-year-old twins Lola and Jasper – travelled from far and wide to be part of their special day on August 11.
Wollaton’s BAFTA-winning actress Vicky McClure , known for her roles in This Is England and Line of Duty, was also in attendance for the wedding, who Daniel became friends with while the pair were raising awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Daniel and Jordan decided were married three months after getting engaged. They decided to get married as soon as possible so they could enjoy the celebrations before the effects of Daniel’s conditions took more of a hold.
Jordan said: “We had such a special and memorable day. We felt like we blinked and the day was over but we couldn’t be happier with how Dan was feeling on the day and how supportive our family and friends were.
“A lot of them travelled from all over the UK to join us and that meant a lot to Dan and I. I cried through most of my vows. Emotions were high and it just meant so much to me to be able to make my promises to him.
Daniel and Jordan on their wedding day
(Image: Peter Coventry)
“My personal highlight on the day was seeing Dan looking dashing in his suit and the beautiful handwritten vows he spoke to me at the ceremony.
“He later told me that he meant every word and in the future when he’s unable to tell me each day and when his memory fades that he hopes I remember and cherish those words as it is how he will always feel about me.”
Daniel was diagnosed with dementia last September after experiencing symptoms such as short term memory problems.
He has a very rare form of Alzheimer’s caused by a mutation in the gene called PSEN1. He inherited the gene from his father Adrian, who died from the condition in 1999, aged 36. There is a 50 percent chance Lola and Jasper have also inherited the gene.
Daniel and Jordan pictured at their wedding with Vicky McClure
(Image: Pete Coventry)
It’s estimated only around 600 families worldwide have an inherited form of dementia. People with one of the rare genetic versions tend to develop the disease at a young age, even in their 30s or 40s.
Daniel said: “The news was so bad I put my head in my hands and went into shock. Everyone was in tears.”
Recalling the moment Daniel told her the news, mum Lorraine added: “Daniel said to me, ‘If I ever end up like my dad did, please don’t let my children see me in that way’.
“The last time Daniel saw his dad he was in bed and couldn’t speak. That is Daniel’s last memory of his dad. So I told him that no matter what, I will never let that happen.”
Daniel can no longer carry his children to bed, though he still reads them a bedtime story.
Since his diagnosis the couple, who have been together for 12 years, have focused on making memories as a family and fulfilling Daniel’s bucket list.
The list includes a trip to Disneyland, which they will go on later this year as a belated honeymoon, and seeing the twins off for their first day of school.
Jordan added: “When Dan was diagnosed I actually asked him to marry me and he said no and I was really gutted. Unbeknown to me, he had actually gone straight round to my mum’s the next day and told her the reason he had said no was because he wanted to propose himself, and make it really special.
“He asked her permission to marry me, swore her to secrecy and took a few months to plan this special proposal.”
The proposal itself took place on whilst the couple were on a cruise with their families.
The couple will be among 8,500 people taking part in the Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk in the county. One of the events takes place at Wollaton park on September 8 and the other at Wollaton Park on October 7.
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