Surprise party for golden couple Mary and Jimmy

A SURPRISE party was thrown by Tyneside care home staff in celebration of a resident’s golden wedding anniversary.

Banners, balloons and a cake were brought out at Willowdene Care Home, in Hebburn, to commemorate Mary Collins’ 50 years of marriage to husband Jimmy.

Mary, who has lived at the care home since 2016, was surprised by staff after seeing anniversary decorations in the lounge.

Cards and a specially made cake were presented to the couple to congratulate them on their milestone.

Mary said: “We were both so happy and pleased with the party. We absolutely loved everything.”

Mary, 75, and Jimmy, 77, married on 26thOctober 1968 and lived together in Jarrow.

Mary worked as a nurse, enjoying bingo in her spare time, and Jimmy was a fitter and then engineer at sea. He also played football, managed teams for both children and adults, and was Chairman of St Bedes AFC.

They have two children, Maureen and Michael, and one grandchild, Sarah.

Michael Beaney, home manager at Willowdene Care Home, on Victoria Road West, said: “Mary and Jimmy are such a lovely couple.

“The staff wanted to surprise them with a party on their golden wedding anniversary.

“They were absolutely amazed by the effort the staff went to and thoroughly enjoyed their day together.

“We all wish them the very best and many more happy times to come.”

Willowdene Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.