'Be romantic all year round': Devoted couple celebrate 71st Valentine's Day together

A couple in a Dundee care home celebrating their 71st Valentine’s Day together have revealed the key to a long and happy marriage is to be romantic all year round, not just on 14 February.

Ninety-six-year-old John Mackay and his wife Eci, 92, are celebrating their 71st Valentine’s Day and their first one together in Bupa’s Balcarres Care Home in Dundee.

Pamela Shaw, activity coordinator at the home, said the couple are still head over heels for each other.

She explained: “John is a true gentleman. He is always checking in to make sure Eci is happy and the pair still refer to each other as ‘sweetheart’ on a daily basis.

“Their devotion to one another is clear to anyone who spends even a short time in their company.”

The couple met when Mr Mackay, a commando during the Second World War, met Hungarian Eci when his unit liberated a column of Jewish female prisoners destined for a concentration camp.

Later, at a dance at the local village hall, Mr Mackay sent his best friend to ask Eci to dance but she insisted that if he wanted to dance, he must ask himself.

This boldness led to the two of them falling in love and marrying in July 1946.

The couple are celebrating their first Valentine’s together in Balcarres Care Home after Mrs Mackay moved there in 2015 and her husband joined her in 2016.

Ms Shaw, activity coordinator, added: “John came to join us a year after Eci moved in, so it’s wonderful that they are both near one another again. Our main aim now is to ensure that they continue to enjoy a happy life together.

“We’re having a little party for all our residents this Valentine’s Day, so it’s lovely to have such a real example of true love with us at the home.”

Although remaining adamant that Valentine’s Day is not one that the couple specifically celebrates, preferring to be romantic all year round, Mr Mackay has still bought his wife thoughtful gifts and a card and staff will be there to congratulate the couple and ensure it is a day to remember.

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