Love is in the air at Willowdene Care Home.

When Anne separated from her husband 13 years ago, she never thought she’d find love again, that was until she moved into Willowdene Care Home in July 2019 and met Gerry.  Anne who is due to turn 78 at the end of September met Gerry, 82, when she moved into the home and the pair became firm friends. They enjoyed spending time with each other, laughing and taking part in the activities at the home and discovered they liked similar music and puzzles. In March, on Gerry’s birthday, Anne realised she thought more of Gerry than just a friend and the feeling was mutual. 

Over lockdown, the happy couple along with the rest of the home residents, all self-isolated and were unable to spend as much time together but when lock down restrictions were lifted they got together again during socially distanced activities and Anne proposed to Gerry on 22nd July and he said yes. She said, “It’s a woman’s prerogative to ask a man to marry them this year with it being a leap year so I thought I’d ask Gerry as I never would have normally”.  Ruth Sunter, Home Manager said, “We are all so delighted with the news and it’s really brought a smile to everyone’s face and lifted the spirits of the staff and residents in the home. Congratulations to you both”.

The home held an engagement party for the happy couple on 3rd September with guests Mary, Lily and Bob who are friends of the couple in the home, Ruth (Home Manager) and Sarah (Administrator) with their named carer Jenna popping in to make sure they were having a fabulous time. They had Muscat non-alcoholic wine, a gorgeous vanilla sponge cake, flowers, banners and cards from friends and staff in the home along with their favourite 60’s songs.

They would like to get married soon but haven’t set a date as yet.