AN AVID football fan was granted his dying wish as he married his partner of 20 years on a hospital ward – but a message from his biggest hero arrived just too late.

Chelsea fan of 40 years Chris Masterson, 53, and Sue Worthington, 63, both from Burnham, were married in a late-night ceremony on Wednesday, January 4.

Chris, who was born with spina bifida, paralysing him from the knees down, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in March 2015 and took a turn for the worst last Tuesday.

So the couple, who had been due to marry at the end of January, brought the wedding forward. As a surprise for him, Sue had a spectacular blue wedding dress made, adorned with Chelsea’s crest.

They were married at 10.15pm in Ward 10 of Wexham Park Hospital by a registrar, surrounded by family and friends, and two days later had their union blessed at the hospital’s chapel. It transpired that the vicar himself was a big fan of the football club, so he donned a special blue stole for the occasion.

Sue was blown away by the efforts of the hospital staff. She said: “They were brilliant. They tied tin cans to Chris’ bed and wheeled him down to the chapel, not because they had to but because they wanted to.

“They even decorated the chapel with Chelsea shirts and flags and provided cake, flowers and refreshments for everyone afterwards.”

Sadly,Chris died on Saturday morning and Sue described him as “an amazing person”. Mrs Masterson said: “He was paralysed from the knees down but he never wanted to be in a wheelchair so he walked everywhere on crutches. Absolutely nothing stopped him.”

Chris’ family had previously appealed to Chelsea players past and present for a get well soon message.

Gianfranco Zola, who played for Chelsea during the 90s and early 2000s, was Chris’ ultimate hero, but sadly his message only reached the family after Chris had passed away on Saturday. Zola wrote in a letter: “I thank you for your support over the years both with myself and Chelsea FC. I will be thinking of you.”

In a tribute to her late husband, Sue went to watch Chelsea on Sunday afternoon against Peterborough wearing her wedding dress and she sat in the season-ticket seat that Chris had occupied for every home game. At half-time Chris’ passing was announced on the tannoy system and applause rang out around the stadium.