OUR hearts go out to the Pateman family who have just taken one of the hardest decisions imaginable.

Christopher is to go ahead with his wedding on Saturday despite the death of his father, Albert, only five days earlier in a road accident.

They must have agonised about whether to postpone the ceremony, but the family chose to carry on because it was what Bert would have wanted.

The day will be almost unbearably poignant. But from the service to the reception, when the newlyweds will dance to Bert's favourite song, his presence will be there.

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, January 13, 2005