Geraldton alleged hit-and-run: Steve Zimmermann and Leela Klein ‘happy to be finally married’

Surrounded by friends who have become their “second family,” Steve Zimmermann and Leela Klein were a picture-perfect pair of wedded bliss last week after overcoming a massive obstacle to say their “I dos”. Last Thursday — on the fourth anniversary of the day they met — the German backpackers married in the gardens of Fiona Stanley Hospital. The focus of the day wasn’t the hospital setting or the fact that Mr Zimmermann is in a wheelchair, but rather a celebration of the couple’s love and commitment. They had initially planned to marry on the Geraldton foreshore but on April 1 Mr Zimmermann was cycling home from work when he was allegedly targeted in a road-rage hit-and-run attack, which left him paralysed with a broken neck. After undergoing emergency surgery at Royal Perth Hospital, Mr Zimmermann was transferred to FSH’s State rehabilitation unit. Despite their world being turned upside down, the couple stuck with their wedding date. Ms Klein, who has been by her now-husband’s side every moment, said like many brides she organised the whole day — with the help of her best friend — including the decorations, catering and music. RELATED STORIES A small group of close friends were on hand to witness the couple’s big day. Ms Klein was walked down the aisle by Mary Geyer, who she and Mr Zimmermann befriended, along with her husband, Conrad, during their travels in Carnarvon, where they volunteered for animal welfare group SAFE Carnarvon. “They are like our second family,” Ms Klein said. Extra “guests” included excited hospital staff, who looked on from afar. “It was definitely special to have a wedding in a hospital with all the staff. And we were the first who had a wedding in this part of the hospital,” Ms Klein said. “We are both happy to be finally married.” Celebrant Brid Hutchinson said it was a “beautiful and intimate ceremony”, and despite the unorthodox venue the hospital nuptials was a joyous occasion for a couple who deserved it after experiencing so much adversity. Almost $20,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe page to help with Mr Zimmermann’s recovery. See bit.ly/3fnwAd2