Love is in the air at specialist nursing home

A couple who live at our specialist nursing home for young adults with disabilities, have tied the knot. It’s the first ever marriage between residents at Staveley Birkleas, which is located in Nab Wood, Shipley in West Yorkshire.

Thirty three year old Ashleigh Marlow and fifty six year old Wei-Kan Cheung got married at The Priestley Suite in Bradford City Hall and held the reception at Staveley Birkleas Nursing Home, which is owned and run by Czajka Care Group.

Both Ashleigh and Wei-Kan have cerebral palsy and other medical conditions which mean they use wheelchairs. Ashley moved into Staveley Birkleas in May 2021 and Wei-Kan moved into the popular home in December 2023.

Ashleigh, who is from Bradford, said: “We first met at Whetley Hill Resource Centre and have been together sixteen years. Wei-Khan is so kind and in June last year he asked me to marry him! I was so surprised and was not expecting a proposal and didn’t have any inkling that he would propose, but I said yes straight away!  I enjoyed everything about our wedding day – it was very special.” 

Wei-Kan, who was born in Nottingham but moved to Leeds when he was seven years old, said: “I have been thinking about proposing for a long time - we love each other – and we had the best day.”

Registered manager at Staveley Birkleas, Solmaz Bahadori-Ridge, said: “We are so happy to see Ashleigh and Wei-Khan get married in a beautiful ceremony. Both require round the clock care but live fulfilling lives with us at Staveley Birkleas. We hosted a huge party for the couple, their families and all the other residents, staff and management with a DJ, disco and barbecue. It was also a delight to welcome Wei-Khan’s surgeon and social worker, who were among the guests.”

Staveley Birkleas cares for people from the age of 18 through to 64, who have a variety of specialist needs including amputees, people with brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Motor Neuron Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Epilepsy and many other complex conditions. People with disabilities who are unable to look after themselves in their own homes are able to thrive at Staveley Birkleas, living an independent lifestyle, whilst having round the clock care, in a safe and stimulating environment.