It was the moment she dreamt of - but one she thought would never happen.

Jessica Taylor, who was struck down with a debilitating illness 11 years ago which has meant she has been confined to a wheelchair, walked down the aisle to marry her sweetheart yesterday.

After falling in love with Samuel Bearman, the 26-year-old embarked on a gruelling course of physiotherapy in her determination to make it the altar without her specially-adapted chair.

VIDEO: Jessica Taylor marries sweetheart

Guests gasped in amazement as she held her father Colin’s arm to step in to St Philip and St James Church in Upnor.

Then hand-in-hand, she exchanged vows with Samuel, 25, who she met through a mutual friend.

Full story in Thursday's Medway Messenger