A Yorkshire bride who married a man she met on First Dates is auctioning off her bridesmaid dresses to raise money for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity following the tragic death of her mum.
It was love at first sight for Cindy and Elan Cohen who had viewers of the Channel 4 show in tears back in 2018.
After meeting on the show the pair went on to date and finally married in September last year after postponing their big day twice due to Covid.
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The Yorkshire-born bride captured the hearts of the nation when she opened about her mums devastating diagnosis on the show.
During the emotional episode, aired in April 2018, Cindy revealed that her mum Angela had Glioblastoma, an incurable brain cancer, while Elan confided in her about his mum’s battle with depression.
Angela was “fit as a fiddle” Cindy explained: “It was a massive shock, she was fit and healthy, she used to get up every morning at 6am and go to Cross Fit, she ran her own business, she was so vibrant, she was amazing.”
Angela had been having some trouble with her vision when she suddenly collapsed and had a seizure, she was rushed to A&E where she received the devastating diagnosis.
Sadly, Angela died from cancer in June 2018, 20 months after she was diagnosed, but thankfully she did get to meet Elan “who she adored” before she passed away.
Cindy Thompson, Elan Cohen and Cindy’s mum Angela
(Image: The Brain Tumour Charity)
“It helps me that she had some comfort knowing that I’d met the love of my life” Cindy said.
Elan has been Cindy’s “rock” and comforted her after her mum sadly lost her battle with cancer.
She credits her husband Elan for “dragging her through” the “worst year of her life.”
Cindy said: “It’s all the things that she has missed out on, she didn’t get to see me get engaged or get married.
“It’s the thought that when we have children, she will never get to meet them, it’s just so sad that she will miss out on all of those things.”
The family became heavily involved with Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity and St James’ hospital during Angela’s battle with cancer.
The supermarket senior online manager said: “It massively helped with the trauma to speak to other families who were in the same position and could understand how you were feeling.”
Incredibly, Cindy has channelled her grief into helping other families facing the same cruel reality, she has become heavily involved with the charity in raising awareness and fundraising.
![Cindy and Elan as they appeared on First Dates in 2017 and [inset] their engagement](https://i2-prod.examinerlive.co.uk/incoming/article21386785.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_First-Dates-couple-Cindy-Thompson-Elan-Cohen-2.jpg)
Cindy and Elan as they appeared on First Dates in 2017 and [inset] their engagement
She was delighted to be asked to become an ambassador for the charity last year and now splits her time between working for Asda in Leeds and doing everything she can to support those going through the same experience that she and her family did.
In her most recent fundraising mission Cindy is donating her bridesmaid dresses to Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, to be sold at their fashion event Frock & Threads on Thursday, March, 31.
“If you have an upcoming wedding or prom, this is a fantastic opportunity to get some top brands for a steal whilst helping a great local cause, so come on down!” Cindy added.
Frock & Threads will take place at the YBTC charity shop at 31 Otley Road, Headingley LS6 3AA, from 6.30pm to 9pm.
It’s just £1 to enter and browse the wedding, prom and formal wear on offer which will include Cindy’s bridesmaid dresses.
There will also be nibbles and fizz on offer for guests to enjoy whilst shopping.
To find out more about the event head to yorksbtc.org.uk/Frock-Threads.
Anyone affected by a glioblastoma can speak to the charity for support and information on 0808 800 0004 or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org.
