A bride with months left to live has survived to walk down the aisle on her dream wedding day.
Mum-of-one Emma Kasher, 37, from Stanley, has terminal cancer and her condition is deteriorating rapidly.
But, thanks to the kindness of strangers and sheer determination, she was able to have the Gothic wedding she's always wanted.
From black horses to a Pagan ceremony, the Halloween wedding at Lumley Castle may not be conventional, but it's everything Emma has ever dreamed of.
Emma said: "I've been really looking forward to this day, I was so worried it wouldn't happen because I've been in hospital again recently .
"I didn't want to be a deathbed bride, I wasn't going to let myself be wheeled in to the ceremony covered in tubes.
"My bridesmaids have been absolutely marvelous, they've helped me get everything ready.
"I've been in agony with my illness but I've been running on pure adrenaline just to get to the day."
Emma and new husband Graham Simonelli, 54,were only able to have the wedding thanks to donations and help from the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust.
Lumley Castle have slashed their prices for the couple, entertainment is being offered free of charge and a Pagan celebrant is traveling to the North East to perform a tradition hand fastening ceremony.
"A lot of good Samaritans have come forward with offers of help, it wouldn't have been possible without them", Emma said.
"Friends I've lost contact with have been in touch so I'll get to see lots of old faces.
"My 14-year-old son is really looking forward to it - he looks gorgeous in his suit."
Emma's cancer was discovered when she had ruptured breast implants removed but by that time it had spread to her lungs, lymph nodes, spine and coccyx.
She met Graham when the two bonded over their mutual love of dogs shortly after he moved to the North East from London and the pair decided to get engaged when the reality of Emma's situation became clear.
She said: "It means the world to me that I've made it to this day and I get to have my dream wedding.
"I've been through hell, I've been dealt a really bad hand but at least I get this day."
