Parma Bertoli, 59, and partner Stephanie Nickles, 43, started a relationship when they were both men in 2004.

 

Stephanie underwent a full sex change in 2006 after having the procedure funded by the NHS while Parma went under the knife to become a woman in 2008.

 

The couple, who live in Warndon, Worcester, had their birth certificates changed to reflect their new female identities.

 

Tragically¹, they were forced to bring the big day forward after Parma was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour² last October and was given less than 12 months to live.

 

Parma, a former meat hygiene³ inspector⁴, said: "Steph and I got together when we were both men in 2004 and lived together as men.

 

"Steph was in pre-op so was living as a woman and I made the change soon after.

 

"Today we are still in love as women."To us, gender⁵ is not an issue in our relationship. We are just two people who met and tried to help each other along.

 

"I know I have a very limited amount of time left but it would mean the world to both of us to get married - it would be absolutely brilliant."

 

The couple got engaged while looking for jewellery in 2009 when Parma suddenly got down on one knee.

 

Stephanie added: "We were out browsing⁶ commitment rings in a jewellers and when I turned round from a display cabinet I saw Parma down on one knee.

 

"She just said to me 'will you marry me?' and of course I said yes. We bought our engagement rings there and then. The staff in the shop clapped, it was a wonderful moment."

 

But their life together was struck with tragedy when Parma started suffering severe headaches at the beginning of last year.

 

Doctors diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme - an aggressive malignant⁷ brain tumour - but despite undergoing surgery she was told it was untreatable.

 

Last October medics at the Gloucestershire Oncology Centre broke the devastating⁸ news that she has less than 12 months to live.

 

Stephanie, who gave up her modelling career to care for Parma, said: "To get married would be such a huge thing for us and would make our lives whole in a way.

 

"We want to get married because we love each other and we are not sure if Parma will be here next year.

 

"Be we have not got the funds and we don't even have the money to buy rings."

 

The couple, who are hoping to get hitched⁹ at Worcester registry office next month, are now appealing for help and donations to make their dream wedding come true.

 

Parma added: "My fiance has always wanted a special occasion and we are really having to bring it forward because my situation is quite bad."I am very lucky to have got this far through the support of my partner."

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