Stephen Addley was given the devastating news in October that he had only months to live, just three weeks after proposing to his girlfriend HannahNeil James Shaw, Laura Lyne Reporter and Neil Shaw
09:54, 28 Nov 2025Updated 19:32, 28 Nov 2025
Stephen, Hannah and their daughter Liberty-Roseo make memories.
Credit: Hannah Jones/Cover Images
A 23-year-old bin man battling terminal cancer was given an unforgettable send-off to his wedding ceremony by a convoy of refuse lorries.
Young father Stephen Addley realised one of his final dreams by marrying his fiancée Hannah in Dover, with their one year old daughter present. Colleagues at Veolia organised a surprise procession of bin lorries that moved him to tears.
Stephen received the heartbreaking diagnosis in October that he had just months remaining, a mere three weeks after getting engaged. He expressed his desire to spend his remaining time marrying Hannah and creating treasured moments with their daughter.
Local businesses generously made their wedding at Bluebirds in Snargate Street possible. Hannah said: “He saw all of his bin trucks just lined up, and he was like, ‘No way’. It meant a lot to him. His best man said that he was sitting in the back of the car crying, and his mate said, ‘Are you okay?'”.
WORDS BYLINE: Millie Bowles
Emotional footage captures the moment a 23-year-old bin man with terminal cancer was escorted to his wedding by a procession of refuse trucks.
Young dad Stephen Addley fulfilled one of his final wishes by marrying his fiancée Hannah in Dover, with their one-year-old daughter by their side.
But the day became even more unforgettable when his colleagues at Veolia surprised him with a convoy of bin lorries – a gesture which brought him to tears.
Stephen was given the devastating news in October that he had only months to live, just three weeks after proposing. He said he wanted to use the time he had left to marry Hannah and make precious memories with their little girl.
Since our original report, donations to a fundraiser set up for the family have surged from £6,000 to £18,000.
Their wedding at Bluebirds in Snargate Street was made possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses.
Recalling the moment the refuse lorries picked Stephen up from their Bunkers Hill Avenue home, Hannah said: “He saw all of his bin trucks just lined up, and he was like, ‘No way’.
“It meant a lot to him. His best man said that he was sitting in the back of the car crying, and his mate said, ‘Are you okay?’
“And he replied, ‘I’m crying over bin trucks!’
“But, he loved it. It showed how much he’s valued at work and how much they love and miss him.”
Hannah, 23, said they made “lovely memories” on their wedding day.
“There’s so much that Liberty-Rose can be told as she grows up, that she can be shown, which is really nice,” she said.
“It meant a lot to us that it could happen.
“We are really grateful for everyone who has chipped in and done something and has worked tirelessly to make it happen.
“There are not enough words to thank the people, because it’s just so kind, and they did so much.”
Her dress was donated, while Bluebirds owner Kay Blue not only decorated the venue but also helped plan the entire day. Photographer Matt Hayward, who compiled the footage of the event, was among many who provided their services free of charge.
Stephen was first diagnosed in June with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour – a very rare form of sarcoma cancer affecting only about 70 people a year in the UK.
Surgeons removed a lump from his abdomen, but by October the aggressive cancer had returned. It had attached to his bowel and doctors told him chemotherapy would not halt the spread.
One of the hopes for the fundraising campaign was to send the family to Disney, but Stephen’s health has declined rapidly.
Hannah explained: “We’re not too sure if we will be able to do it, because he is going downhill quite fast.
“The wedding’s really taken it out of him. He’s really tired at the moment.
“We just want to reassure everyone that if that doesn’t happen, any money that’s left is going to Liberty-Rose.
“It will all go into a bank account for her. It’s not going to be spent on takeaways or anything like that. It’s hers.”
The couple previously told of their worries over their baby’s future without her father.
Stephen said: “I think the biggest thing is, like, where I’m so young, I’ve not managed to build up enough to leave her behind.
“I feel like I’m not actually really leaving her anything that can help her and our future.
“The hardest part is knowing I won’t get to see her grow up.”
Those who helped make the wedding happen include Mr Hayward, Ms Blue, magician Alfie Allen, singer Karen-Marie Brough, Joshua Collins, The Wrong End of Town printing, Lauren Lowther, Lauren Rachel, Catch a Dream teepees, Teeling Bakehouse, Angela Smith, Emily Edwards from Crowns and Curls, baker Maddy Martin, Ann and Pams Florist, Love Blooms Florist, The Cake Hatch, Fairy Tale Treats, photographer Kyra Gunn, videographer Nastia Nizalova, Workwear Printing, The Sweet Spot, Sky High, Carly Billing, Kymberly Ashman, Karl Shepherd, KBrows Aesthetics Aesthetics, Sophie Belsey, Pedal and Patter, Dayzee Graham, PGC Prints, Victoria Hill, Faversham Linen, Melts by Vicky, Verina Bickley, Dover Royal Taxis, PayZing, Tam Jade, Hollie Cole, Alicja Jaskurzynska, Ellie Castle and Jack Castle.
Stephen’s cancer stems from an underlying condition called neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes tumours to grow in various parts of the body, some of which can become cancerous.
Featuring: Stephen Addley, from Dover, with his Veolia colleagues
When: 27 Nov 2025
Credit: Cover Images
“And he replied, ‘I’m crying over bin trucks!’ But, he loved it. It showed how much he’s valued at work and how much they love and miss him.”, reports the Mirror.
Hannah, 23, said they created “lovely memories” on their special day. “There’s so much that [daughter] Liberty-Rose can be told as she grows up, that she can be shown, which is really nice,” she said.
“It meant a lot to us that it could happen.
“We are really grateful for everyone who has chipped in and done something and has worked tirelessly to make it happen. There are not enough words to thank the people, because it’s just so kind, and they did so much.”
WORDS BYLINE: Millie Bowles
Emotional footage captures the moment a 23-year-old bin man with terminal cancer was escorted to his wedding by a procession of refuse trucks.
Young dad Stephen Addley fulfilled one of his final wishes by marrying his fiancée Hannah in Dover, with their one-year-old daughter by their side.
But the day became even more unforgettable when his colleagues at Veolia surprised him with a convoy of bin lorries – a gesture which brought him to tears.
Stephen was given the devastating news in October that he had only months to live, just three weeks after proposing. He said he wanted to use the time he had left to marry Hannah and make precious memories with their little girl.
Since our original report, donations to a fundraiser set up for the family have surged from £6,000 to £18,000.
Their wedding at Bluebirds in Snargate Street was made possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses.
Recalling the moment the refuse lorries picked Stephen up from their Bunkers Hill Avenue home, Hannah said: “He saw all of his bin trucks just lined up, and he was like, ‘No way’.
“It meant a lot to him. His best man said that he was sitting in the back of the car crying, and his mate said, ‘Are you okay?’
“And he replied, ‘I’m crying over bin trucks!’
“But, he loved it. It showed how much he’s valued at work and how much they love and miss him.”
Hannah, 23, said they made “lovely memories” on their wedding day.
“There’s so much that Liberty-Rose can be told as she grows up, that she can be shown, which is really nice,” she said.
“It meant a lot to us that it could happen.
“We are really grateful for everyone who has chipped in and done something and has worked tirelessly to make it happen.
“There are not enough words to thank the people, because it’s just so kind, and they did so much.”
Her dress was donated, while Bluebirds owner Kay Blue not only decorated the venue but also helped plan the entire day. Photographer Matt Hayward, who compiled the footage of the event, was among many who provided their services free of charge.
Stephen was first diagnosed in June with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour – a very rare form of sarcoma cancer affecting only about 70 people a year in the UK.
Surgeons removed a lump from his abdomen, but by October the aggressive cancer had returned. It had attached to his bowel and doctors told him chemotherapy would not halt the spread.
One of the hopes for the fundraising campaign was to send the family to Disney, but Stephen’s health has declined rapidly.
Hannah explained: “We’re not too sure if we will be able to do it, because he is going downhill quite fast.
“The wedding’s really taken it out of him. He’s really tired at the moment.
“We just want to reassure everyone that if that doesn’t happen, any money that’s left is going to Liberty-Rose.
“It will all go into a bank account for her. It’s not going to be spent on takeaways or anything like that. It’s hers.”
The couple previously told of their worries over their baby’s future without her father.
Stephen said: “I think the biggest thing is, like, where I’m so young, I’ve not managed to build up enough to leave her behind.
“I feel like I’m not actually really leaving her anything that can help her and our future.
“The hardest part is knowing I won’t get to see her grow up.”
Those who helped make the wedding happen include Mr Hayward, Ms Blue, magician Alfie Allen, singer Karen-Marie Brough, Joshua Collins, The Wrong End of Town printing, Lauren Lowther, Lauren Rachel, Catch a Dream teepees, Teeling Bakehouse, Angela Smith, Emily Edwards from Crowns and Curls, baker Maddy Martin, Ann and Pams Florist, Love Blooms Florist, The Cake Hatch, Fairy Tale Treats, photographer Kyra Gunn, videographer Nastia Nizalova, Workwear Printing, The Sweet Spot, Sky High, Carly Billing, Kymberly Ashman, Karl Shepherd, KBrows Aesthetics Aesthetics, Sophie Belsey, Pedal and Patter, Dayzee Graham, PGC Prints, Victoria Hill, Faversham Linen, Melts by Vicky, Verina Bickley, Dover Royal Taxis, PayZing, Tam Jade, Hollie Cole, Alicja Jaskurzynska, Ellie Castle and Jack Castle.
Stephen’s cancer stems from an underlying condition called neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes tumours to grow in various parts of the body, some of which can become cancerous.
Featuring: The convoy of bin lorries that escorted Stephen Addley to his wedding in Dover
When: 27 Nov 2025
Credit: Cover Images
Her dress was donated, whilst Bluebirds owner Kay Blue not only decorated the venue but also helped plan the day. Photographer Matt Hayward was amongst many who provided their services free of charge.
Stephen was first diagnosed in June with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour – a very rare form of sarcoma cancer affecting only about 70 people a year in the UK. Surgeons removed a lump from his abdomen, but by October the aggressive cancer had returned.
It had attached to his bowel and doctors told him chemotherapy would not halt the spread.
WORDS BYLINE: Millie Bowles
Emotional footage captures the moment a 23-year-old bin man with terminal cancer was escorted to his wedding by a procession of refuse trucks.
Young dad Stephen Addley fulfilled one of his final wishes by marrying his fiancée Hannah in Dover, with their one-year-old daughter by their side.
But the day became even more unforgettable when his colleagues at Veolia surprised him with a convoy of bin lorries – a gesture which brought him to tears.
Stephen was given the devastating news in October that he had only months to live, just three weeks after proposing. He said he wanted to use the time he had left to marry Hannah and make precious memories with their little girl.
Since our original report, donations to a fundraiser set up for the family have surged from £6,000 to £18,000.
Their wedding at Bluebirds in Snargate Street was made possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses.
Recalling the moment the refuse lorries picked Stephen up from their Bunkers Hill Avenue home, Hannah said: “He saw all of his bin trucks just lined up, and he was like, ‘No way’.
“It meant a lot to him. His best man said that he was sitting in the back of the car crying, and his mate said, ‘Are you okay?’
“And he replied, ‘I’m crying over bin trucks!’
“But, he loved it. It showed how much he’s valued at work and how much they love and miss him.”
Hannah, 23, said they made “lovely memories” on their wedding day.
“There’s so much that Liberty-Rose can be told as she grows up, that she can be shown, which is really nice,” she said.
“It meant a lot to us that it could happen.
“We are really grateful for everyone who has chipped in and done something and has worked tirelessly to make it happen.
“There are not enough words to thank the people, because it’s just so kind, and they did so much.”
Her dress was donated, while Bluebirds owner Kay Blue not only decorated the venue but also helped plan the entire day. Photographer Matt Hayward, who compiled the footage of the event, was among many who provided their services free of charge.
Stephen was first diagnosed in June with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour – a very rare form of sarcoma cancer affecting only about 70 people a year in the UK.
Surgeons removed a lump from his abdomen, but by October the aggressive cancer had returned. It had attached to his bowel and doctors told him chemotherapy would not halt the spread.
One of the hopes for the fundraising campaign was to send the family to Disney, but Stephen’s health has declined rapidly.
Hannah explained: “We’re not too sure if we will be able to do it, because he is going downhill quite fast.
“The wedding’s really taken it out of him. He’s really tired at the moment.
“We just want to reassure everyone that if that doesn’t happen, any money that’s left is going to Liberty-Rose.
“It will all go into a bank account for her. It’s not going to be spent on takeaways or anything like that. It’s hers.”
The couple previously told of their worries over their baby’s future without her father.
Stephen said: “I think the biggest thing is, like, where I’m so young, I’ve not managed to build up enough to leave her behind.
“I feel like I’m not actually really leaving her anything that can help her and our future.
“The hardest part is knowing I won’t get to see her grow up.”
Those who helped make the wedding happen include Mr Hayward, Ms Blue, magician Alfie Allen, singer Karen-Marie Brough, Joshua Collins, The Wrong End of Town printing, Lauren Lowther, Lauren Rachel, Catch a Dream teepees, Teeling Bakehouse, Angela Smith, Emily Edwards from Crowns and Curls, baker Maddy Martin, Ann and Pams Florist, Love Blooms Florist, The Cake Hatch, Fairy Tale Treats, photographer Kyra Gunn, videographer Nastia Nizalova, Workwear Printing, The Sweet Spot, Sky High, Carly Billing, Kymberly Ashman, Karl Shepherd, KBrows Aesthetics Aesthetics, Sophie Belsey, Pedal and Patter, Dayzee Graham, PGC Prints, Victoria Hill, Faversham Linen, Melts by Vicky, Verina Bickley, Dover Royal Taxis, PayZing, Tam Jade, Hollie Cole, Alicja Jaskurzynska, Ellie Castle and Jack Castle.
Stephen’s cancer stems from an underlying condition called neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes tumours to grow in various parts of the body, some of which can become cancerous.
Featuring: The line-up of bin lorries escorted Stephen Addley to his wedding at Bluebirds in Snargate Street, Dover
When: 27 Nov 2025
Credit: Cover Images
One of the hopes for a fundraising campaign was to send the family to Disney, but Stephen’s health has declined rapidly. Hannah explained: “We’re not too sure if we will be able to do it, because he is going downhill quite fast. The wedding’s really taken it out of him. He’s really tired at the moment.
“We just want to reassure everyone that if that doesn’t happen, any money that’s left is going to Liberty-Rose. It will all go into a bank account for her. It’s not going to be spent on takeaways or anything like that. It’s hers.”
The pair had previously spoken about their fears for their daughter’s future without her dad. Stephen explained: “I think the biggest thing is, like, where I’m so young, I’ve not managed to build up enough to leave her behind.
WORDS BYLINE: Millie Bowles
Emotional footage captures the moment a 23-year-old bin man with terminal cancer was escorted to his wedding by a procession of refuse trucks.
Young dad Stephen Addley fulfilled one of his final wishes by marrying his fiancée Hannah in Dover, with their one-year-old daughter by their side.
But the day became even more unforgettable when his colleagues at Veolia surprised him with a convoy of bin lorries – a gesture which brought him to tears.
Stephen was given the devastating news in October that he had only months to live, just three weeks after proposing. He said he wanted to use the time he had left to marry Hannah and make precious memories with their little girl.
Since our original report, donations to a fundraiser set up for the family have surged from £6,000 to £18,000.
Their wedding at Bluebirds in Snargate Street was made possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses.
Recalling the moment the refuse lorries picked Stephen up from their Bunkers Hill Avenue home, Hannah said: “He saw all of his bin trucks just lined up, and he was like, ‘No way’.
“It meant a lot to him. His best man said that he was sitting in the back of the car crying, and his mate said, ‘Are you okay?’
“And he replied, ‘I’m crying over bin trucks!’
“But, he loved it. It showed how much he’s valued at work and how much they love and miss him.”
Hannah, 23, said they made “lovely memories” on their wedding day.
“There’s so much that Liberty-Rose can be told as she grows up, that she can be shown, which is really nice,” she said.
“It meant a lot to us that it could happen.
“We are really grateful for everyone who has chipped in and done something and has worked tirelessly to make it happen.
“There are not enough words to thank the people, because it’s just so kind, and they did so much.”
Her dress was donated, while Bluebirds owner Kay Blue not only decorated the venue but also helped plan the entire day. Photographer Matt Hayward, who compiled the footage of the event, was among many who provided their services free of charge.
Stephen was first diagnosed in June with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour – a very rare form of sarcoma cancer affecting only about 70 people a year in the UK.
Surgeons removed a lump from his abdomen, but by October the aggressive cancer had returned. It had attached to his bowel and doctors told him chemotherapy would not halt the spread.
One of the hopes for the fundraising campaign was to send the family to Disney, but Stephen’s health has declined rapidly.
Hannah explained: “We’re not too sure if we will be able to do it, because he is going downhill quite fast.
“The wedding’s really taken it out of him. He’s really tired at the moment.
“We just want to reassure everyone that if that doesn’t happen, any money that’s left is going to Liberty-Rose.
“It will all go into a bank account for her. It’s not going to be spent on takeaways or anything like that. It’s hers.”
The couple previously told of their worries over their baby’s future without her father.
Stephen said: “I think the biggest thing is, like, where I’m so young, I’ve not managed to build up enough to leave her behind.
“I feel like I’m not actually really leaving her anything that can help her and our future.
“The hardest part is knowing I won’t get to see her grow up.”
Those who helped make the wedding happen include Mr Hayward, Ms Blue, magician Alfie Allen, singer Karen-Marie Brough, Joshua Collins, The Wrong End of Town printing, Lauren Lowther, Lauren Rachel, Catch a Dream teepees, Teeling Bakehouse, Angela Smith, Emily Edwards from Crowns and Curls, baker Maddy Martin, Ann and Pams Florist, Love Blooms Florist, The Cake Hatch, Fairy Tale Treats, photographer Kyra Gunn, videographer Nastia Nizalova, Workwear Printing, The Sweet Spot, Sky High, Carly Billing, Kymberly Ashman, Karl Shepherd, KBrows Aesthetics Aesthetics, Sophie Belsey, Pedal and Patter, Dayzee Graham, PGC Prints, Victoria Hill, Faversham Linen, Melts by Vicky, Verina Bickley, Dover Royal Taxis, PayZing, Tam Jade, Hollie Cole, Alicja Jaskurzynska, Ellie Castle and Jack Castle.
Stephen’s cancer stems from an underlying condition called neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes tumours to grow in various parts of the body, some of which can become cancerous.
Featuring: Stephen and Hannah, from Dover, on their wedding day.
When: 27 Nov 2025
Credit: Kyra Gunn/Cover Images
“I feel like I’m not actually really leaving her anything that can help her and our future. The hardest part is knowing I won’t get to see her grow up.”
Stephen’s cancer is linked to an underlying condition known as neurofibromatosis type 1, which leads to tumours developing in different areas of the body, with some potentially turning cancerous.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.