Heartbroken parents marry in hospice to include terminal son

The Armstrong family. Photo / Facebook, Patricia Amrstrong

When Patricia and Christopher Armstrong learned their baby only had a few weeks to live they decided to move their wedding forward, marrying in a hospice so he could be part of the ceremony.

Little Conner Armstrong was disgnosed with Edwards syndrome in the womb, a genetic condition where an extra chromosome is present. The syndrome causes extreme phsyical effects and meant Conner was born with three holes in his heart.

Posted by Patricia Chris Armstrong on Wednesday, 15 March 2017

90 per cent of babies born with Edwards syndrome don't make it past birth, but doctors told the Armstrongs they would at least have a few weeks with Conner. So they agreed to bring the date of their pending wedding forward. On March 11 the pair married with Conner in their arms in the hospice where he was being cared for.

Posted by Patricia Chris Armstrong on Friday, 17 March 2017

The wedding was an intimate ceremony with close family and friends and their two daughters as bridesmaids. Although it was a rush to organise the entire wedding in just a few days Christopher told ABC News: "I was so excited to be marrying the love of my life and happy that everyone was there to see and witness the love that we shared. And having the baby there was even more special."

Posted by Patricia Chris Armstrong on Wednesday, 15 March 2017

In a tribute posted to Facebook Patricia wrote: "Our baby boy was a fighter, he proved so many doctors wrong so many people wrong by making it as long as he did."

Conner managed to survive for about a month before passing away on March 14th. Christopher recalled the time with Conner as one of the best in his life.

"We gave him the chance to live, love and be loved. We gave up everything to be closer to our son. We fought for Conner, and in return he fought for us and as long as he was fighting we'd be right there."

Posted by Patricia Chris Armstrong on Wednesday, 15 March 2017

Although heartbreaking, they believe "Conner was truly heaven sent and we don't regret allowing him to have a chance at life. He was loved by so many and always will. We love you Conner Alexander Armstrong please pray for us as we pick up the pieces to our life."

The newlyweds hope that by telling Conner's story they will be able to help raise awareness and find a cure for Edwards syndrome.