Laura and Steven Banks had their wedding paid for by strangers after Steve was diagnosed with cancer. Photo: Steve Grogan.

Laura and Steven Monks, both 35, tied the knot on Friday in a hotel ceremony near their home in Manchester.

The couple got engaged in 2013, just three months after the birth of their daughter Lydia, who turns three next month. They’ve been friends for over ten years.

They initially put their wedding plans on hold while they saved to buy a house. But last October, Steven was diagnosed with stage three bowel and liver cancer.

Laura and Steve Banks had their wedding paid for by strangers after groom Steve was diagnosed with cancer. Picture: Steve GroganSource:Supplied

He had an operation to remove his bowel and started chemotherapy, but in April this year doctors told the couple that Steven’s condition is terminal.

“As soon as Steven was diagnosed with cancer we knew we wanted to get married straight away,” Laura told The Telegraph UK. “We all wanted to have the same name and we wanted to be proper family.

“Steven was self-employed and he was working six or seven days a week. He looks back and wishes he had been able to spend more quality time with us.

“Saving was our number one thing, we were always thinking about three years ahead, but nothing could have prepared us for what was going to happen,” she said.

Laura (second from left), her three bridesmaids and daughter Lydia. Photo: Steve GroganSource:Supplied

Steven (third from left) and his groomsmen on his wedding day. Photo: Steve Grogan.Source:Supplied

A nurse told Laura about a charity called Gift of a Wedding, which helps couples fund their wedding by recruiting businesses to donate food, clothing and entertainment.

“It sounded amazing,” said Laura. “I called the charity straightaway and filled in an application form, and days later the founder called us to say our wedding had been approved, and we have been busy planning our big day ever since.

“We told our friends and family about us finally getting married and no-one could believe it. They couldn’t get over a charity like this even existing. We are so grateful to them for making this happen,” she said.

Strangers donated everything the couple needed for their big day, including Laura’s wedding dress. Photo: Steve Grogan.Source:Supplied

Gift of a Wedding posted Laura and Steven’s story on their Facebook page and soon dozens of people came forward offering to help out.

Laura says she’s been overwhelmed by the kindness of total strangers.

“We had a magician, candy cart, cupcakes, the venue dressing, a DJ, a florist, chocolate, favours, photography, invitations, videography, my wedding dress, a seating & name cards, hair and make up and nails, wedding cake, a professional singer, as well as a string quartet, a ring cushion, a toastmaster, a photo booth and a wedding car all gifted to us.”

Steven is currently in palliative care.

“We don’t know what the future holds, but the kindness of strangers made our day completely unforgettable,” Laura said.