The Longreach Leader
Queensland, Australia
20 August, 1938

From London by Air -- Leader’s Weekly Letter

LEADS TO ROMANCE

BRIDE WHEELED TO ALTAR

    Twenty-two-year-old Pamela Gillilan, daughter of the squire of Great Bowden, near Market Harborough, Leicestershire, was wheeled to the altar in an invalid chair this week -- a victim of infantile paralysis -- to be married to a bridegroom who a year ago was also a paralysis victim.
    Three years ago Pamela Gillilan was preparing for her presentation at Court. Her Court gown was never used. While in Paris she caught the illness now being fought in Essex. Her mother flew to nurse her.
    Gradually use returned to her limbs, and special lifts were installed in her father’s home so that she could be moved from her bedroom to the garden.
    While having treatment at a clinic she met Mr. Peter Spanoghe, a Belgian, and a master at Eton, who was also there for treatment. They fell in love. . . . and this week they were married.
    Doctors say the bride may make a complete recovery in time. She can walk a few yards. The bridegroom walks with a limp.
     On the village green in front of the church children were entertained to tea, with a special wedding cake.

-- transcription by Kate Maynard, 2011