Last week, The Ross Gazette reported that a local couple, Chris Powles and Alice Hall, who thought they were expecting a baby were shocked to discover that Alice had a tumour growing inside of her womb, rather than a baby.

Alice has been having chemotherapy, and about a month ago, she gave birth to the tumour. While she is getting better she still has to have treatment on a regular basis.

The couple have been sharing their story on social media, as well with the Ross Gazette, in the hope that they will raise some awareness; if someone else who is pregnant encounters abnormalities, particularly before their first scan at 12 weeks, they urge them to go to their doctor and get anything they are concerned about checked out.

The article was featured in last week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, and it was also shared online and on our social media pages. There was a lot of reaction to the article online, and many local people wanted to do something to help the couple.

Alice and Chris recently got engaged. On the Ross Gazette’s Facebook page, Andy French wrote: “Any local businesses out there wanna help me get these 2 wed, PM me, they deserve a little bit of happiness [sic]”

Andy told the Ross Gazette that he is Alice’s second cousin, and he is very close to the couple. He added: “I was there when Chris proposed and Alice was so happy. I know that Chris has had to turn down job opportunities to be by her side every step of her treatment.”

Andy is hoping that if any local business owners have read Alice and Chris’ story, and if they have been moved by it, that they may offer some contribution towards their wedding.

A date for Chris and Alice’s wedding has not yet been set, as Andy explained that their primary focus at the moment is getting Alice well and finishing her chemotherapy. He added: “I think that there are a lot of very nice, caring people out there who will be able to offer a service to them, to ease their financial worries of a dream wedding.”

He said that some local business owners had already come forward to offer their help. He said that a beautician has offered to do Alice’s nails and make up at no cost, and a photographer has offered to do their wedding photography, free of charge, from the bridal preparation to the couples’ first dance.

He is hoping that people may offer anything, large or small, for instance, a hair stylist, someone to make the cake, a driver, someone to help with flowers, anyone willing to help with suit hire, someone to help with the dress, and evening entertainment, et cetera.

He added that if a venue would be interested in hosting them, this would be greatly appreciated.

If you think you may be able to help to make Chris and Alice’s big day extra special, please email Alice at: [email protected].