A TERMINALLY-ill bridegroom says he has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Evening Press readers after thieves threatened to ruin his wedding.

Michael Kwiatkowski, 31, who suffers from cancer and has been given six months to live, and his fiance Alana Phillips, 17, planned to marry this week.

Heartless thieves put the wedding in doubt after breaking into his home, in Lindsey Avenue, Acomb, on Friday and stealing £1,000.

But today Michael said the wedding was definitely back on track. And readers continue to amaze the couple with offers of help.

Mr Kwiatkowski said: "The support that people have offered is completely overwhelming. The wedding is now definitely going to happen. I can't thank the people who have offered help enough."

Yesteterday the couple were offered the use of a limousine by Skelton-based M&J Walker Wedding Cars, the services of Low Catton-based Photech Photographers and a complimentary room at The Parsonage hotel, in Escrick, for a honeymoon.

And readers have been sending cheques for the couple to make sure their big day isn't cancelled.

"We see so many happy couples here and we know what it means to them," said Kirsty Southern, wedding co-ordinator at The Parsonage.

"We felt really sorry for this couple."

Updated: 11:37 Wednesday, March 13, 2002