Aisle get there; INJURED SOLDIER FULFILLS WEDDING PROMISE.

Byline: ROBERT WEATHERALL

DEFIANT Carl Fice marched down the aisle -something medics told the former soldier he'd never do.

Carl suffered serious injuries and was left in a coma for three months following a car accident which killed one of his friends.

The 33-year-old was serving in Germany when the driver of the car he was travelling in fell asleep at the wheel at 80mph. The accident happened more than 11 years ago and doctors at the time told Carl he would never fully recover from his broken back, shattered pelvis and punctured lungs.

But on Saturday he proved them wrong by walking down the aisle with wife-to-be Louise Howe.

It was an event which up until a year ago neither of the pair thought would happen.

Carl said: "This has been one of the proudest days of my life. Getting married to Louise has made me incredibly happy. The ceremony was everything we both wanted." The pair tied the knot at St George's Church in Jesmond, Newcastle, in front of family and friends.

It was only a year ago Carl underwent a pioneering procedure to re-locate a tendon from his right thigh into his lower leg enabling to have more movement and walk again.

Since then he has undergone extensive physiotherapy and can now walk with the aid of a crutch -something which he may be able to discard following another planned operation.

The couple, who live in the Heaton area of Newcastle are set today jet off on honeymoon to the paradise island of Mauritius.

Louise, a 26-year-old accountant, said: "I am very proud of Carl.

"He is the most determined person I know and being able to walk down the aisle together as husband and wife was perfect." Louise's mum Dee Howe said: "The ceremony was wonderful. It is everyone's dream to be able to walk down the aisle and we are all very proud of Carl and Louise."

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FIRST: Our report revealed details of Carl and Louise's wedding plans I DO: Carl and Louise married at the weekend