TWO NHS workers have tied the knot at a dream Monmouthshire venue after winning a £35,000 wedding - thanks to champion cyclist Geraint Thomas.

Evie Evans, 25, and Mathew Howson, 27, were rewarded for working tirelessley in the pandemic helping patients with rehabilitation.

Tour de France winner Mr Thomas gave them the dream luxury wedding surrounded by family and friends.

The event took place at St Tewdrics House near Chepstow - owned by top cyclist Mr Thomas and his wife Sara.

Sportsman Mr Thomas decided he wanted to gift a wedding to NHS workers worth £35,0000.

The prize included the venue, cake, flowers, photographer, catering and even the bride's make-up.

Blushing bride Ms Evans said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made our day so special.

"Our friends and family have all had such a wonderful time and the whole experience has been magical.

"Our wedding was something so positive for us and our colleagues to focus on during some really difficult times."

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The newlyweds met at university seven years ago before applying to work for the NHS on the same day.

They started working as physiotherapists but then saw their roles change dramatically during the pandemic.

Ms Evans, originally from York, was redeployed to a specialist stroke rehabilitation team , while her new husband remained in his role working in the community.

The pair work for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and helped people deal with their physical health as appointments were cancelled.

Mr Howson, of Cardiff, said: "This side of my job increased 10-fold during the pandemic as many people saw their appointments cancelled and struggled with both their physical and mental health."

The couple's big day came after a Key Worker Wedding Competition was launched by the venue in April last year.

It was the brainchild of sportsman Mr Thomas and his wife who bought the manor after marrying there in October 2015.

They paid £2.5 million for the property and now run it as a luxury wedding venue nestled in 10 acres of land.

Mr Thomas said: “We felt this competition might go some way to show our appreciation for the heroic efforts of our key workers in Wales.

"Our brilliant suppliers stepped up to offer everything you could dream of for a wedding, and we are so happy to host Evie and Matt’s special day at St Tewdrics House.

“All the competition entries were incredibly moving, but it was clear that Evie and Matt did everything they could to help people at a really difficult time. We wish them every happiness for the future."

Mr Thomas - whose mum Hilary, 65, is a nurse - also raised more than £325,000 for the NHS last year by cycling for 12 hours at a time.

Blushing bride Ms Evans added: We’d like to thank everyone at St Tewdrics House and all the amazing suppliers who have been so generous and enthusiastic.”