Video: UAE entrepreneur steps in for Kerala bride who married in an emergency ward

A day after their wedding made headlines for taking place inside the emergency ward of Kochi's VPS Lakeshore Hospital, the young Kerala couple at the centre of the dramatic incident received unexpected support from the UAE.
Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman of VPS Lakeshore Hospital and Abu Dhabi-based Burjeel Holdings, stepped in today to cover the full cost of bride Avani’s medical treatment, just hours before she underwent a major spine surgery.

Watch the video below:

Crucial operation

Hospital officials said Dr Shamsheer contacted the team on Saturday morning after learning about the accident and the extraordinary circumstances under which the couple were married. His instructions ensured that Avani’s treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation would proceed without any financial concern for the families.

“What this couple faced in a matter of hours was unimaginable,” Dr Shamsheer said.

“Their courage moved everyone. We want Avani to focus fully on her recovery, and she will receive all the care she needs. The hospital and medical team stand as an extended family supporting them throughout their journey.”

His intervention brought immense relief to both families, who had been balancing the shock of the accident with the urgency of her surgical needs.

Three-hour surgery

At 3 am on Friday, Avani was travelling for her bridal preparations when her car met with an accident in tourist destination of Kumarakom in Kottayam district. She sustained spinal and hip injuries and was first rushed to Kottayam Medical College before being transferred to VPS Lakeshore Hospital for specialist care.

Following detailed assessments, the medical team proceeded with surgery at 9.35 am, completing the procedure by noon. The operation was led by Dr Sudish Karunakaran, Head of the Neurosurgery Department, with support from specialists in Emergency Medicine, Anaesthesia, and Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Avani had sustained a severe injury to the L4 segment of the spine, a critical point for movement and stability, along with hip trauma. Dr Sudish confirmed that the nerve injury was successfully resolved.

“It was a complex case, but the surgery went according to plan,” he said. “Her spine has been stabilised, the pressure on the nerve has been relieved, and she is now under observation in the Neurosciences ICU.”

Families relieved

Sharon, who tied the knot with Avani inside the emergency ward on Friday afternoon after the accident derailed their wedding plans, said the events of the last 24 hours had been overwhelming.

“The support that came today was something we never expected,” he told to Gulf News. “Knowing that her surgery went well has given us the hope we were praying for.”

Avani’s mother Jyothi said the family was “grateful beyond words” for the care and support the couple received at the hospital and from the public.

The rare instance of a wedding held beside emergency monitors and medical equipment captured widespread attention for its emotional resilience. Today, the successful surgery and the timely intervention from the UAE added a new layer of hope.

Doctors said Avani will remain in the ICU for observation before beginning a structured rehabilitation plan.