A BRIDE-TO-BE from Ellesmere Port has won her dream wedding after racing her way to London and back without spending a penny – all while wearing full bridal gear.
The unusual competition was the brainchild of Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel, Ledsham, who challenged three hopeful contestants to use all their charm and negotiating skills to travel the furthest distance in eight hours, returning to Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel before a 5pm deadline.
Emma Burton, of Ellesmere Port, raced across the finishing line to a rousing reception from emotional family and friends with just eight minutes to spare.
She’s managed to beg, borrow and steal her way 218 miles to Morden Tube Station in South London.
Emma said: “I’m completely stunned and so excited we won.
“Huge thanks to local business men, Mike from City Metals and Mark from Golden Dragon Tattoo Studio who paid for my return journey to Morden Tube Station.
“It’s like a dream come true and I can’t wait to start planning my wedding at Macdonald Craxton Wood.”
Her prize will include a wedding breakfast for up to 50 guests and an evening buffet for up to 100 guests as well as accommodation for the immediate wedding party.
Emma will also enjoy a seven night honeymoon cruise to either the Caribbean, Europe, the African Coast or Alaska, courtesy of the hotel.
The competition was launched in July, with the three finalists being voted by the station’s listeners for having the most compelling stories.
Emma and her fellow finalists, Helen Smith and Laura Morris were each dropped off at a mystery location on Friday, August 13.
A spokesman for Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel said: “All three finalists put in sterling efforts with Helen managing to travel all the way to Scotland, only to be eliminated when she arrived 10 minutes after the cut off time.
“Laura Morris who was the first to cross the finish line was a little less fortunate than her competitor brides, travelling the least miles to Wigan.”
