text: A terminally-ill five-year-old has died just days after his devoted parents granted his final wish by getting married at his hospital bedside. Corey Edwards was born with a complex congenital heart defect and endured eight traumatic open heart surgeries in a bid to save his life. His greatest wish was for his parents Jemma, 21, and Craig, 28, to tie the knot, but despite getting engaged three years ago, his ill health put their plans on hold. Corey Edwards, five, has died five days after his final wish - to see his parents get married - was granted . Corey, who was born with a complex congenital heart defect, held the rings at the ceremony at his bedside in Bristol Children's Hospital . Corey's condition had gradually deteriorated since January, when he was admitted to hospital with a cold, and his parents were warned he had just days to live. To grant the little boy's final wish, staff at Bristol Children's Hospital pulled out all the stops to allow his parents to marry at his bedside, including getting the Archbishop of Canterbury's permission for the ceremony to be held on the paediatric ward. The five-year-old held the rings at the wedding on Saturday, with his mother saying Corey looked 'very handsome' in a suit. Sadly Corey died last night, five days after the ceremony. Speaking shortly after the wedding, father-of-three Mr Edwards, from Teignmouth, Devon, said: 'It may not have been the day we had initially planned in our heads but it didn't matter to us. 'To have our son there meant more than anything and it will be a day we will never forget. 'We can't thank the staff enough for what they have done for us and Corey and we would like them to know how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication.' The terminally ill boy's parents Craig and Jemma had been engaged for years but delayed tying the knot because of Corey's ill health . To grant the little boy's final wish, staff at Bristol Children's Hospital pulled out all the stops to allow his parents (pictured with sisters Isabelle and Caitlyn) to marry at his bedside . Mrs Edwards added: 'The most important thing for us was having our son Corey at our side, holding the rings and wearing his suit. 'We couldn't have been more proud of him. We were also incredibly lucky to have our daughters there and the support of so many.' After deciding to get married, the couple had barely 48 hours to organise the ceremony, which was complicated by requiring permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to go ahead. The newlyweds signed the wedding register at their son's hospital bedside . The law allows couples to marry in hospital if one of them is desperately ill and that did not apply in this case. But a law dating back to Henry VIII gives the Archbishop of Canterbury special dispensation to allow weddings in hospital for 'pastoral reasons'. 'When we knew Corey's wishes, everyone on PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit) and Ward 32, including staff and friends, got together to help us,' Mr Edwards said. 'The Bishop of Bristol had to write to the Archbishop of Canterbury to get special permission for us to marry in the hospital and we are so grateful he agreed.' Corey was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect when he was seven months old and had eight open-heart surgeries as well as other treatments. Staff at Bristol Children's Hospital grew close to the family during numerous hospital stays., and rallied together to help with the wedding. Mr Edwards, a council road sweeper, said: 'When we got the go ahead, we only had a matter of days to plan. 'We rushed into town to buy a dress and suit and made do with our engagement rings as wedding rings. 'We couldn't believe the generosity of all those involved. One nurse helped to do Jemma's hair, whilst another two members of staff made the cake and iced it. 'Chairs were pulled together to form an aisle and decorations were put up to make it feel like a wedding venue. 'We were married by the hospital's chaplain, Rev Stephen Oram, who was very excited to be sharing this occasion with us.' Corey was diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect when he was seven months old and had eight open-heart surgeries as well as other treatments . After deciding to get married, the couple had barely 48 hours to organise the ceremony, which was complicated by requiring permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to go ahead . Mr Edwards added: 'It turned into a really, really amazing day and Corey was so proud. He looked very handsome. I think he really enjoyed it, which was the main thing. 'Getting married is usually the bride and groom's special day, which it was, but it's more Corey's special day because he is such a special boy. 'It was nice to share our special day with the people who have helped us enjoy Corey's short life. It has got to the point where there isn't more they can do now, which is obviously very hard. 'Instead of being at his bedside crying the whole time at least on that one day we had a real special day. We know he was happy that day. 'When he's home and well you wouldn't know he is a cardiac patient. He's happy, running around and loves to play.' The newlyweds spent their wedding night at their son's bedside and later returned to the nearby Ronald McDonald House where they are staying whilst Corey is in hospital. Speaking before Corey passed away, William Booth, matron for PICU, said it was a privilege to share the special day with Corey's family. He added: 'The whole hospital was abuzz with excitement. 'One of the nurses made and iced a cake others brought in flowers and gifts for the newlyweds. 'Lots of the nursing and medical teams involved in Corey's care came in over the Easter break to share this special occasion with them all.'
target: Corey Edwards, five, was born with a complex congenital heart defect .
  His final wish - to see his parents get married - was granted last weekend .
  The boy held the rings and wore a suit as his parents wed at his bedside .
  Corey died last night, days after the ceremony at Bristol Children's Hospital .