A YOUNG South Devon bride died just 18 days after marrying her sweetheart with her four-year-old daughter as her bridesmaid.

Stephanie Mayer, 30, went from her hospital bed by horse and carriage to Cockington where she married Paignton window fitter Paul in front of nearly 100 family and friends.

Less than three weeks later she died surrounded by family after losing her battle with lung cancer.

Tomorrow a thanksgiving for Steph's life will be held at Cockington Church to celebrate her short life, at the very church where she married just weeks ago.

Paul's mum Linda said: "She always wanted to be married at Cockington and to arrive at the church by horse and carriage.

"Thanks to the generosity of her many friends who contributed towards the horse and carriage, which took Steph from her hospital bed to the church and then on to the reception, together with all stops being pulled out by the Rev Tony Macey, Steph's dreams came true."

Paul and Steph first met at Fiesta nightclub in Paignton.

She was diagnosed with cancer about two years ago but was eventually given the all clear.

After the good news, she went on a three-month holiday to Australia with Paul and daughter Chloe.

Linda said: "Steph always wanted a romantic proposal and Paul thought the Great Barrier Reef was a great place for this. Unfortunately Steph was seasick at the time."

The couple planned to marry in June next year, but last December Steph was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. The wedding was brought forward to July 26 this year.

Steph wore an ivory wedding dress with a bouquet of lilac and ivory roses and was attended by her sister Nicky while her nieces Lauren and Olivia and daughter Chloe were bridesmaids with nephew Thomas being a pageboy.

The wedding was attended by approximately 85 family members and friends with a reception at the Carlton Hotel for 150.

Linda paid tribute to Steph's courage. She said: "As a childminder for several years, she was loved and adored by all of the children she cared for and was a very popular young woman. She was very brave throughout her illness.

"Steph held her hen weekend in London and went to see Dirty Dancing. Friends arranged for her to meet the cast after the show, much to her delight."

Husband Paul plays football for Galmpton Gents and last weekend a minute's silent was held before the game in memory of Steph.

A thanksgiving service for her life will be held at Cockington Church tomorrow at 1.30pm. Her family wish to thank staff at Torbay Hospital's Turner Ward, staff at Rowcroft Hospice and the Rev Macey for 'all their care, kindness and help during this difficult time'.