LONDON - After being married in the Kingston Hospital, London, to 25-year-long partner Julia Cox, 66, former Malaysian-born badminton player and coach, Benny Khaw, succumbed to the Covid-19 at the age of 85.
Penangnite Benny, also known as Khaw Beng Eam, who represented Malaysia in the Thomas Cup, flew to England in 1962 to further his studies at the University of London before working with the Customs department and spending the rest of his life coaching badminton.
On the 2nd of January, Benny was rushed to Kingston Hospital where he was tested positive for the Covid-19.
As the strict regulation due to the pandemic in the United Kingdom meant that marriage ceremonies could only be held under exceptional circumstances, Benny and Julia fit the bill.
"Covid-19 had ravaged his lungs. He said it was like being hit by a train, pointing to his chest," shared Eleanor Cox, one of Benny’s stepdaughters.
Health workers at the hospital turned the discharge room into a wedding-worthy environment within 24 hours.
"It was an honour to plan and put together a special moment for Benny and Julia. It really lifted the whole team to be able to do something like this, in what has been a challenging time for everyone," shared Liz Raderecht, a matron at the hospital.
The groom, wheeled in fashioning a mask, held his bride as he repeated his vows and signed the certificate.
The couple’s matrimony, which was officiated by Reverend Susan van Beveren, was witnessed by Benny’s stepdaughters Eleanor Cox, 34 and Emma Perham, 38.
"That would have been Benny's dying wish. He and my mother were inseparable. Benny said it was fate when my mother walked into the badminton club with us that day because his life totally changed. He must have been nearly 60," added Eleanor.
The couple, who met when Eleanor and Emma were brought into the Wimbledon Club for badminton lessons 25 years ago, shared till-death-do-us-part at 11:30 pm before death parted them nine days later.
Benny, who didn't drink or smoke, watched his diet and exercised regularly was overpowered by the global disease. - The Vibes, February 2, 2021.
