Main image via Kingston Hospital + The Star

The pandemic has unfortunately taken away many people away from their loved ones and in a bittersweet twist of fate, one man was taken away from his loved one of 25 years, just nine days after they were married.

Former Malaysian badminton player Benny Khaw was diagnosed with Covid-19 and just days after he married his long-time partner Julie Cox, he sadly succumbed to the virus.

Image via The Star

On 2^nd January, Benny was “unexpectedly rushed” to Kingston Hospital with Covid-19 and the previously active man became acutely unwell and was treated and cared for at the hospital until he sadly passed away on 17^th January at the age of 85.

Before he passed away however, the Acute Assessment Unit at the hospital transformed the ward so Benny and Julia’s wedding could take place.

The couple first met 25 years ago and they fell in love over playing badminton. Since then Benny and Julia have been considering a wedding but never got around to it.

The hospital however, found a way to turn that around and gave them a wedding to remember with Julia’s daughters Eleanor Cox and Emma Perham as witnesses.

According to Eleanor, the hospital staff had gone above and beyond for the ceremony by funding a wedding cake and decorations for the ward.

Benny’s bedside was even decorated with beautiful lights and decorations.

Image via Kingston Hospital

This was both Benny and Julia’s second marriage and they have three daughters and four grandchildren between them.

“Benny has been in our lives for many years and I consider him to be my dad,” Eleanor shared. “It was so special to be able to see mum and Benny get married – it was a wonderful celebration of the times they have shared.”

“We have all been blown away by the kindness shown by the staff at Kingston Hospital,” she added. “In the midst of a pandemic, staff pulled out all the stops to enable this to happen. They have been so incredibly kind to our family and really showed a level of care and compassion that is above and beyond what we expected.”

“It was an honour to plan and put together a special moment for Benny and Julia,” Liz Raderecht, Matron on Kingston Hospital’s Acute Assessment Unit said. “It really lifted the whole team to be able to do something like this, in what has been a challenging time for everyone.”

Image via New Strait Times

“[Benny] left his family in Malaysia and came to England for studies in the 1960s,” Eleanor shared adding that he met her mum while she was playing badminton at a club.

“It was around that time that things progressed and love blossomed between them,” she continued. “It just goes to show you that badminton brings more to your life than just sports, health and friends.”

“It was his dying wish to be married to my mum and she felt the same way,” Eleanor added.

This is definitely a sad twist of fate but we’re happy that Benny got his last wish and married the love of his life before passing away.

Rest in peace Benny.

Our thoughts are with Julia, Eleanor, Emma and all his loved ones.

Info via The Star + Kingston Hospital