A Croydon cake-maker has defended her decision not to refund a £50 wedding cake deposit to a devastated bride whose groom died on Sunday.

Lisa Broughton, who has run Party Crafts in London Road for five years insists every customer knows it is company policy not to give refunds under any circumstances.

But Sylvia Charlton, 51, from South Norwood, still reeling from the death of the man she has known for the past 18 years, said: "I can't believe anyone could be so hard and insensitive. We had a verbal agreement to buy the cake - but what are you supposed to do when the groom dies?

"It's not about the money, it's the principle. Everyone else including the photographer and caterer gave refunds."

Sylvia's fiance Bryn Charlton suffered a stroke on February 8 and was rushed to Mayday Hospital. Sylvia kept a bedside vigil for 17 days and the hospital chaplain married them on February 22, witnessed by a Croydon registrar. They were due to marry on May 8 at Croydon Airport.

Tragically, 59-year-old Bryn died in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Miss Broughton said: "I sympathise but I'm running a small firm and can't give refunds when things go wrong."

But Sylvia, who lived with Bryn for 12 years, said: It's not about me changing my mind. It's her attitude. I'm appalled."

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