A DREAM came true yesterday when ex-Marine Steve Greenhalgh, who was paralysed in a holiday accident nearly 10 years ago, married district nurse Edna McNeely who helped nurse him back to health.

And during the fairytale service, the groom was able to slip a wedding ring on his bride's finger, thanks to bionic surgery which gave him back the use of his hands.

As reported in yesterday's BEN, Falklands veteran Steve thought he had lost everything after a holiday diving accident in 1990. He was on the Greek island of Kefalonia when he dived from a cliff and broke his neck as he hit a sandbank.

After being airlifted back to Britain, he spent over a year in a specialist spinal injury hospital and many months coming to terms with spending the rest of his life with a paralysed body.

But the tragic accident did bring Steve some fortune - it introduced him to Edna.

Community nurse Edna, aged 43, visited Steve at home during the years of physiotherapy after his fall and her admiration for Steve's ability to cope with what had happened to him quickly turned to affection.

The pair, who live in Wilson Fold Avenue, Lostock, fell in love and have not looked back since.

Before the wedding, Edna, who has two children from a previous marriage, told the BEN: "We're both really excited about it now that we have decided to make this rock-solid commitment.

"Steve is a very determined person and it is definitely his character that has seen him through some very tough times and that is what made me admire him."

Three months ago, Steve had a special microchip implanted in his chest which allows him to use his hands. He can now drive a specially adapted car and operate his own wheelchair - and yesterday he placed a gold ring on his bride's finger.

Steve said: "I feel lucky and honoured to be marrying Edna. It is wonderful what the surgeons have been able to do for me." Steve and Edna held their wedding reception at The New Pack Horse Hotel, where around 90 guests turned up to help them celebrate.

They'll be spending time together at home before they go on honeymoon to Tenerife in March.

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