A WOODFORD woman married the man who shares her passion for elephants at the sanctuary in Thailand they built together.

Katherine Connor, 26, started helping elephants after her first trip to Thailand around four years ago. She started fundraising, and set up Boon Lott's Animal Sanctuary with her new husband, Anon, who has been her partner for three years.

The couple celebrated their wedding at the sanctuary, each riding their elephants towards each other from opposite ends of the park.

When they met they kissed and exchanged rings, before Katherine rode off on his elephant.

"It was a really lovely thing to do," said her mother Evelyn Connor.

"They set this up together and they have the same dreams, the same vision, and they just absolutely adore each other. It really is true love, they were made for each other."

The wedding was celebrated in the traditional Thai way, over two days and nights, and though it rained throughout, rain on your wedding day is considered lucky in Thailand.

In accordance with the Thai tradition, they lay on the bed together as guests gathered around, and daubed each other in flour and water.

Katherine and Anon now have two baby elephants at the sanctuary, and a pregnant mother who has been so cruelly treated the tip of her trunk was sliced off.

The sanctuary relies entirely on donations and Katherine is returning to England in July to raise more funds.

To make a donation log on to www.blesele.com or send cheques to Boon Lott's Animal Sanctuary c/o Evelyn Connor, 45 Fullers Road, South Woodford, E18 2QB.