Tsunami couple tie the knot

A COUPLE who cheated death in the Asian tsunami have celebrated their love with a dream wedding.Lucy Allen and Hayden Flower were on a round the world trip of a lifetime when the tsunami hit on Boxing Day 2004.The couple, who met while they were both living in Nailsea, were holidaying on the tropical paradise island of Koh Lanta when the huge wave wreaked havoc. They were relaxing by the pool when the tsunami crashed onto the beach and smashed through their hotel's reception area.Human resources manager Lucy, aged 27, said: "People were going crazy and running in all directions."Hayden screamed at me to run, which we both did."We camped with the Thai people before we got a flight home two days later and they generously shared what drinks and food they had with us."It was heartbreaking seeing women with young children to look after who had no idea where their husbands were."Hayden and I were so fortunate to be together and to survive."I knew Hayden was the man for me before the terrifying experience we went through together, but afterwards, I was even more convinced."I was so emotional, I just couldn't talk to my parents on the phone to tell them we were OK, but he was so strong when I really needed him to be."Hayden asked Lucy to marry him in the Florida Keys on the last day of their six-month trip, promising her there would be plenty more adventures ahead of them. The couple, who live in London now, were married at All Saints Church, Wraxall, surrounded by their family and friends.Lucy said: "Married life is not proving quite as eventful as our travels, but in a really good way."Somebody was definitely looking out for us that day in Thailand."Lucy is urging North Somerset Times readers to consider making a donation to charities which are still working in the region affected by the disaster to help people to rebuild their lives.