L'Arche member gives bride, Elaine, away

Fred Stone was honoured to escort Elaine Piechowicz up the aisle at her recent wedding with Geoff Brear.

Fred (59) has been a resident of L'Arche, which is based around the needs and gifts of people with learning disabilities, for the past 29 years.

Elaine used to be an assistant at the community, based in Hawthorn Road and Aldwick Road. Her father died in April 2005 and she worked with Fred in the L'Arche garden and in one of its houses, Bethany.

'When my father died, it was Fred who gave me most comfort and support,' explained Elaine.

'He was very sympathetic. My father was called Fred too. So, when it came to thinking about who to ask to give me away in marriage, Fred seemed the obvious choice.'

Elaine's wedding to Geoff Brear was held in Dorset.

Fred said: 'I enjoyed it. It was good. My job was to walk with Elaine down to the altar. Each had a ring to give to the other. I felt people looking at me but that was all right.'