A BRIDE went ahead with her emotion-charged wedding in tribute to her mum who had died the previous day.

Joanne Preston had considered postponing the marriage ceremony following the devastating loss of her mother, who was just 48.

But after consulting with other family members, the 28-year-old mum-of-four decided to go ahead with her wedding to partner Darren.

The ceremony, at St James' Church in Silsden, was amended to include the lighting of memorial candles.

"We thought about postponing it but mum did a lot of the planning and so much wanted us to get married," said Joanne, of North Dean Avenue, Keighley.

"It was really difficult because we were all still totally numb and the fact mum wasn't there made it so hard, but we wanted to do it for her."

Her mother, Jayne Parker, had battled against lung disease since she was a teenager.

But it didn't prevent her leading an active life.

She worked in care homes for many years, becoming a senior carer.

And about nine years ago she started modelling, taking part in the Face of England competition.

"She loved her care work but also really enjoyed the modelling – she just decided one day that was what she was going to do!" said Joanne.

"She'd had COPD since she was 19.

"Her mobility wasn't good, she couldn't walk far and we used to help her with things like bathing and shopping, but she was better some days than others and was very determined.

"The condition left her with only 14 per cent lung capacity but she wouldn't let it rule her life."

Last month Ms Parker, of Westbank Rise, Braithwaite, suffered a collapsed lung.

She was admitted to Airedale Hospital where she was put on a ventilator machine, but her condition improved and within a couple of days she was moved out of the intensive care unit.

"She seemed to be recovering OK but then one moment she was talking and the next she'd just slipped away," said Joanne.

"It was a huge shock."

Ms Parker, who was brought up in Silsden and attended South Craven School at Cross Hills, had five children – James, Jonathan, Joanne, Jennifer and Chloe – and 18 grandchildren.

"She was very family orientated," said Joanne.

"They meant everything to her."

The funeral service was held at Oakworth Crematorium last Friday (Feb 27).