Love, Hope, and Generosity: Newlyweds’ wedding gifts for charity
For Derek (79) and Sylvia Elliott (78), love, adventure, and generosity go hand in hand.
When they married on March 4, 2025, in Shrewsbury, they chose to celebrate their special day by giving back—asking for donations to Lingen Davies Cancer Fund instead of traditional wedding gifts. Their incredible gesture raised £817.50, a reflection of their gratitude for the care Derek continues to receive at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
Their love story began nine years ago through New Horizons, a caravan group for solo travellers. Derek, originally from North Wales, and Sylvia, who is from Shrewsbury, both shared a passion for exploring new places. Sylvia had worked as a shorthand secretary in both Shrewsbury and Cardiff while Derek worked as an engineer in Ellesmere Port.
After retirement and through their travels, they formed lifelong friendships within the caravan group, and when the pandemic hit in 2020, they made the decision to stay together rather than apart. On February 29, 2024, Sylvia took the leap and proposed to Derek, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
Now living in Shrewsbury, Derek receives ongoing treatment at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre. In 2023, he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and was given just six months to live. But thanks to the treatment he has received at the Centre, he continues to defy expectations. He now has chemotherapy top-ups every three weeks and undergoes regular scans to monitor his condition.
“Without Lingen Davies and my treatment, I wouldn’t be here today,” Derek said. “The Centre is brilliant—I cannot praise it enough.”
Caravanning remains a huge passion for both of them, though these days, their biggest challenge is fitting their adventures around Derek’s appointments. But that doesn’t stop them from making the most of every opportunity to get away, especially with their beloved little dog Holly.
At 12 years old, Holly has been a constant companion on their journeys, and she was right by their side when they visited the Lingen Davies Fundraising Office at the Hamar Centre for a special cheque presentation photo. The charity team even made sure Holly was included in the celebrations, gifting her a Lingen Davies bandana—something she wore proudly for the occasion.
Having both lost their previous partners—Sylvia’s husband in 1994 and Derek’s wife in 2015—their wedding was a celebration of love rediscovered. Their decision to support Lingen Davies instead of receiving gifts was a way to give back, ensuring others can continue to access vital cancer treatment.
Derek and Sylvia’s story is one of resilience, love, and generosity. Their kindness will help make a difference for others facing cancer, and we are incredibly grateful.
Thank you Derek and Sylvia!
