LAST year, Jessica Sidebottom was engaged to the man of her dreams and had two beautiful children – everything was perfect.
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Then less than two weeks before Christmas, the Pelaw Main woman was diagnosed with aggressive stage 4B cervical cancer.
But, nothing was going to get in the way of her wedding to Luke Sidebottom.
The pair moved their big day, originally planned for September this year, to February and Jessica became Mrs Sidebottom, shortly before beginning chemotherapy.
“It was actually amazing, everything went perfect,” she said.
“It was more perfect than I could have ever imagined and I didn’t even have to do any organising at all which was really good.”
Mystwood Retreats at Wollombi, along with their suppliers, organised and paid for the special day.
Her father Greg and 13-year-old son Jayden walked her down the aisle, and their 9-year-old daughter Lacey also played a part as a junior bridesmaid.
After recently buying a house, Jessica now has her husband, her home and her children.
Now, all she wants is a good, old-fashioned barbecue.
“We love spending time outside and I always wanted to get a new barbecue but I couldn’t afford it,” she said.
“I’d always have friends over and I’d say ‘come for a barbecue’ and then I’d be cooking it inside.
“We’re just always outside, especially with the new house.
“It has a pool so we’re [thinking] we really need one.
“But, we’re not working and the money we got literally just covered the house, so we can’t really get one just yet.”
It’s an iconic part of an Aussie home, but why is a barbecue so important to Jessica and her family?
“It always brings family together – and keeps the house clean,” she said with a laugh.
Despite the challenges she has had to overcome during the past few months, Jessica is grateful for all the support from individuals and businesses alike.
“Thank you to everyone that has helped to make the ride a lot easier as well,” she said.
Luke and Jessica have been together for about 12 years.