MP saves the day for wedding couple

A newly-wed couple have presented a flag as a thank you after Newark MP Robert Jenrick stepped in to ensure their wedding could go ahead.

Robert Sharp and his wife, Heidi Sinclair, gave the Union Flag to Newark Conservative Club to replace its current one.

The couple said they wanted to do something to thank Mr Jenrick for his work to secure a visa for Mr Sharp, an American, which allowed the couple to get married.

The couple met online through mutual friends in November 2016. Mr Sharp, who was born in Florida and lived in California, arrived to live in the UK the following January.

Heidi said: "Robert was only allowed to be here for so long at a time before he had to go back to the US, and he needed a visa to get married.

"We paid an extra £750 to be fast-tracked through the process, but we were kept waiting to see if we could get married on time."

She said they were told not to plan the wedding until they had an answer about the visa, but had gone ahead to ensure everything could be organised

In desperation, Heidi asked Mr Jenrick’s PA, Sue Gray, if there was anything he could do to help.

Mr Sharp said: "After Heidi spoke to Sue we were not sure what was done, but a visa arrived and we were able to go ahead with the lovely event that Heidi had planned.

"It was a fairytale wedding for our fairytale romance, and we are extremely grateful to Robert."

The couple live near the Conservative Club and noticed its flag was in poor condition, so decided to present it with the thank-you gift.

Mr Jenrick, president of the club, said: "I wanted Robert and Heidi to enjoy their big day so we worked behind the scenes with the Home Office to make sure Robert could be here and the wedding could go ahead.

"They are a wonderful couple and the Newark area is very special to them. Robert is an Anglophile and loves Newark. They both deserved it.

"I am married to an American who is more passionate about this country than many people who are born and bred here.

"Sometimes it takes an immigrant to remind us how wonderful our country is."

Mr Jenrick said he was touched by the gift and said it was always nice to receive thanks for the work of himself and his team.

Conservative Club chairman Mr Michael McIlroy said: "The current flag has been up for many years in all weathers. It was very tattered so we are pleased to have a new one."