Hard-working Northamptonshire nurse and police officer scoop wedding giveaway prize at Delapre Abbey

"Megan and Ryan are truly deserving – so clearly in love with each other"
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An A&E nurse and police officer who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic have scooped the top prize in a wedding giveaway.

Megan Williams and Ryan Warren, both 23, who live in a village in north Northamptonshire, were one of more than 350 couples to enter Delapre Abbey’s Wedding with Thanks competition.

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The competition, which includes venue, catering, rings and much, was designed to recognise the committed key workers here in the county.Megan said: “When we entered, we couldn’t even imagine being a finalist, let alone winning a wedding.

Ryan and Megan have been together since they were 16.Ryan and Megan have been together since they were 16.
Ryan and Megan have been together since they were 16.

“We are both so proud to be key workers and have been humbled by what we have seen and done during this pandemic.

“During one of my earlier shifts on A&E we were only isolating people who had flown in from China.

“Then it was people who had flown in from Italy and then we were in full PPE.

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“It was a scary time, being told we were all at risk. Some members of staff were told they couldn’t come to work anymore as they were deemed vulnerable.

“I kept working and am proud of that, although not seeing my family for nearly two months was tough.”

Megan and Ryan first met aged 16 at Moulton School sixth form and have been inseparable since.

Ryan proposed to Megan this March during a short holiday in Amsterdam, as the couple returned to the UK the pandemic was taking hold.

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He added: “So many people are on their own and the police are often the first people they see when they call 999 with problems.

“Reassuring people during such uncertain times has been difficult, but like Megan I am so proud that I have been able to keep working and hopefully been making a difference.

“Thank you so much to Delapré Abbey and all the businesses that have been involved – now the wedding planning starts.”

Ryan was accepted into the Northamptonshire Police Force in 2017 and in the same year Megan started her nursing training, which she completed last September. She now works at Leicester Royal Infirmary hospital.

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Talking about Ryan’s work Megan said: “Police officers cannot wear full PPE due to needing fast access to their kit at all times.

“They have no choice but to come into close contact with others, so they put themselves at so much risk to protect the public.

“I have never been prouder of Ryan than for the way he’s handled this pandemic. He is so resilient and just gets on with things, he is so brave and puts everything into keeping others safe.“

Ryan added: “I am so proud of Megan, for working so hard during the pandemic and for putting other people first. To win this competition is incredible.“

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More than 350 couples were nominated – including teachers, army personnel, hospital workers, carers, drivers, and supermarket staff, but Ryan and Megan came out on top.

Richard Clinton, Chief Executive of Delapré Abbey, said: “What a heart-warming finale to our competition.

“We have been overwhelmed by all the entries and the emotional stories people had generously shared with us.

“All six finalists were exceptional and so deserving and the judges had a hard time choosing one winning couple.

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“Having said that Megan and Ryan are truly deserving – so clearly in love with each other. Both have worked so hard and given so much during Covid and yet they were both so humble and even told us how grateful they were to have jobs and to be able to make a positive difference.”

Megan and Ryan are yet to choose a date and will meet with the Abbey’s wedding team in the next few weeks.

Richard is keen to thank the local businesses as the competition would not have been possible without them, including Carlsberg, Sky Photography, Tangerine Red, Potter Events, White Room, Seckingtons, The Orangery (T.H.E Hospitality Limited), Gardners Bakery, Florry, Forevermore events, Michael Jones.

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