'Dad would have been proud'

Those were the words of the brother of a young bridegroom, who took the heartbreaking decision to go ahead with his wedding only days after their father died following a road accident.

Tears were never far from the surface as the Pateman family pulled together to support each other through an emotional day, as they celebrated the marriage of Christopher and his fiance, Claire Wood.

Their wedding on Saturday, at the Churchill Hotel, Bootham, York, took place only five days after father-of-three Albert Pateman's scooter and a lorry collided in Hull Road in the city.

The 59-year-old, who was known as Bert, had been travelling from his Wilberfoss home to his job as a chef at York's Dean Court Hotel.

After the couple tied the knot, surrounded by close family and friends, Christopher's older brother Richard told the Evening Press: "I am very proud of him.

"I am pleased the whole thing has gone ahead. I don't think dad would have wanted it to have been cancelled. I think we have done the right thing. We will make it an enjoyable day.

"Dad would have been proud. He would have loved this. He loved weddings and any social functions like this."

The 36-year-old, who was there with his wife Clare, along with his twin sister, Louise, and her young family, said his mother, Jean, was coping quite well.

"There have been tears, but there's been plenty of support, which she needs right now," he said.

Jean had earlier told the Press the family had not considered cancelling or postponing the wedding, as it would not have been Bert's wish.

Christopher, who described his dad as "one of the kindest, gentlest men you would ever meet", turned 23 last Sunday - the day before Bert died.

He admitted being nervous before the wedding, and said his hands were still shaking as he later sipped on a glass of bubbly.

But, with his mum close by, he was full of smiles for his bride, who looked radiant in a full-length dress with a train and veil as she held a simple yet elegant bouquet of white roses and calla lilies.

The couple were also joined by Claire's parents, Philippa and David Wood, and her sisters, Linsey and Alex, who were bridesmaids, along with Christopher's niece, Laura.

The couple, who are expecting a baby in May, dedicated their first dance to Bert by choosing his favourite song, Maggie May.

They are moving to Norfolk to set up their new home together, as Christopher is stationed there with the Royal Air Force. He and Richard are both weapons technicians with the RAF.

Following Bert's death, tributes poured in, with friends of the Rotherham football supporter, describing him as a popular, cheerful, witty and lovely person who would be sorely missed by many.

His funeral service is being held at York Crematorium tomorrow, at 1.30pm.

Updated: 10:11 Monday, January 17, 2005