Terminally ill groom passes away just one month after wedding

A TERMINALLY ill groom – who got his dying wish and married his long-term partner in a poignant wedding ceremony last month – has passed away.

Eric Shroder, 30, who was told by doctors earlier this summer that he had less than a month to live, married Englishwoman Lynnette Coxall on June 24 in Cork.

The couple had planned to tie the knot next year, but brought the wedding forward after Spaniard Eric was informed in early June that he had just weeks to live.

The family yesterday announced the death and asked their privacy be respected following the sad loss.

About 120 guests had attended the lavish wedding ceremony in Cork just a month ago.

It was organised by Brides of Franc wedding planner Peter Kelly.

Mr Shroder received medical assistance on his wedding day from staff at the South Infirmary Hospital in Cork.

Eric and Lynnette came to public prominence after a close friend, Fiona Hagensen, contacted local radio last month seeking advice on how to plan a dream wedding in a short period of time.

Businesses responded in their hundreds offering the use of cars, cakes, wedding dresses, flowers and jewellery to the couple. Soprano Cara O’Sullivan also donated her services and performed in Spanish on the day as a tribute to Eric’s native country.

The couple initially made contact several years ago through an internet chat room and they “hit it off overnight”.

Within three months, Lynnette had moved from England to Cork to move in with Eric.

Ms Hagensen, who was maid of honour at the couple’s wedding, said the pair had a blissful few years together until tragedy struck last December when Eric became sick.

What he first assumed was a stomach bug turned out to be bowel cancer.

Eric underwent surgery and the prognosis was very positive. However, his condition deteriorated and the pair learned the cancer was terminal.

Fiona, at the time, described Lynnette and Eric as being a dream couple with the “best of relationships”.

“They have the best relationship. They have overcome stuff that married couples of 50 or 60 haven’t. They are madly in love. They are soul mates and are incredible together.”