TWO LOCAL heroes finally tied the knot on Saturday (December 5) thanks to a little help from the Redditch community and an appeal published in The Standard back in October.
Rob and Maggie Underwood run the Charlotte and Craig Saving Hearts Foundation, formerly known as Redditch Heart Safe, and campaign tirelessly to equip schools and communities with life-saving defibrillators.
But in a role reversal, it was the community that chipped in and helped to organise the wedding of their dreams.
The newly-weds, who met in 2008, said ‘I do’ at Redditch Registery Office before partying the night away at the Railway Inn in Hewell Road.
The celebration came after family friend Debbie Wickett took it upon herself to ask the people of Redditch for help which saw her inundated with offers of assistance.
“I was overwhelmed,” she said. “It was fantastic and so lovely to see such community spirit in giving Rob and Maggie a day they will never forget.”
Among those who helped the couple on their big day was the town’s Mayor Councillor Pattie Hill and County Councillor Joe Baker, who volunteered to play chauffeur to the bridesmaids.
“It was really sweet and a real privilege,” said Coun Baker. “Nobody deserves it more than the Underwoods and it was a real pleasure to help out.”
Two representatives from West Midlands Search and Rescue were on hand to provide a fire engine for the blushing bride to travel in style with a surprise biker escort arriving to accompany her Maggie which included members of the group that rode with their son Craig during his last ride.
The couple booked the nuptials for December as a ‘happy memory’ for their family as the month marks the anniversaries of their children, Charlotte and Craig, who sadly passed away within three years of each other.
Maggie added: “We want something we can smile over during the month which is usually horrendous for us.
“Doing it in December also makes me feel as though Charlotte and Craig are with me.”
Rob added the day went perfectly and that the union – although just a piece of paper – has made the family feel ‘more complete’.
“We just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped make our day so special,” added Maggie.
