Valentine's Day: Inspirational care home couples offer advice on love

Two couples celebrating a combined 119 years together this Valentine’s Day offer their wisdom of love to the younger generation which includes being true to yourself and ‘stand by each other’.

Watch the video of Alan and Jean from Foxholes Care Home

Alan and Jean Lewsey were married on Valentine’s Day 64 years ago and are currently at Foxholes Care Home as respite residents whilst Mr Lewsey recuperates after a stint in hospital.

'Look after each other and love each other'

When Mr and Mrs Lewsey were dating, they went to the cinema and to the London Palladium to see stars of the day, including Nat King Cole.

Mr Lewsey said: “We were courting for a few years. We used to meet each other. I’d pick Jean up and take her home at night. I used to walk a long way home after seeing her home first.

“We’d go to the pictures together to see films. One-week Jean would pay, the next I would pay.

“We knew we were in love early on when courting. And I’ve loved her ever since.”

When asked about what is the best thing about Mr Lewsey, Mrs Lewsey said: “He’s kind to me.”

The couple who were married in 1956 gave advice about arguments and falling out. Mr Lewsey said: “We’ve never flown off the handle with each other. Never fell out. We always stuck by each other.

When asked what the secret to a happy marriage is, Mr Lewsey said: “Stand by each other. Look after each other and love each other. Do everything you can together, as you’re only together for a certain time.”

For the past four years, Mr Lewsey has been Mrs Lewsey’s carer following a fall, he said: “I’ve loved looking after her, and I still look after her as much as I can."

Foxholes Care Home are going to prepare Mr and Mrs Lewsey a romantic candlelit dinner for them.

Neil Gandecha, estate manager at Foxholes Care Home, said: “Alan and Jean really are a wonderful couple and an inspiration to the rest of us. Having been in love for such a long time, they’re well placed to offer advice to others – whatever the secret is, they certainly know it.

“We wanted to do something nice for the pair of them, with our chef set to create a meal of their choosing this evening – which we’ll look to supplement with the traditional Valentine’s offering, of roses and candlelight.”

He added: “We’ve loved having them here with us and their story is a lovely one to hear them tell it. Their devotion to each other shines through on a daily basis, heartening everyone at Foxholes who interacts with them. Here’s hoping they’re set to enjoy many more happy years together!”

Mike and Maureen Hannan from Hambleton Grange care home

Mike and Maureen Hannan are residents at Hambleton Grange Care Home in Thirsk. They met in 1964 during a chance meeting at a bus stop on a rainy day are celebrating their 55th Valentine’s Day.

Mr Hannan was waiting in the rain to catch a bus to begin his day working as an apprentice secretary when Mrs Hannan happened to pass him on her Vespa scooter and stopped to Offer him a lift to work.

Shortly after the couple went on their first date where they recall driving to Hawnby in a Mini Cooper to have a scenic picnic.

Mrs Hannan said: “I remember Mike prepared everything, even down to making the double decker ham sandwiches. Whilst we were eating all the sheep on the hill flocked around us.”

Mr Hannan said: “It was a lovely spot, it is all about the little things, it is interesting that you remember that sort of detail.”

'They love each other very much and enjoy each other’s company'

In April, Mr and Mrs Hannan will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary. They were engaged during a midnight mass church service on Christmas Eve 1965 and were married in front of their friends and family at Easingwold Registry Office followed by a church blessing at Stockton Forest Church.

Mrs Hannan remembers the day well: “I had no time for nerves on the day, I was too excited because I was marrying the love of my life.”

Mr Hannan said: “I couldn’t possibly be nervous on the day; I was marrying my best friend.”

The couple share four children together and have five Grandchildren. They moved to Hambleton Grange in March 2019 and enjoy spending their days joining in with activities, especially art classes and dominos in the evening.

The most valuable advice Mr and Mrs Hannan could offer the younger generation would be to find someone who is kind and caring but also willing to take an interest in your hobbies. Mrs Hannan said: “It’s all about compromise.”

Mr Hannon also gave some tips on arranging a first date. He said: “There is no point in putting on a grand show on a first date and not acting like yourself, it is much better to do something truer to yourself and your interests that way you will never fail to live up to expectations.”

Nikki Higgins, home manager at Hambleton Grange said: "Maureen and Mike are absolutely fantastic, they love each other very much and enjoy being in each other’s company.

"I love hearing their stories from times gone by and how they have stuck together through thick and thin. A true inspiration to us all."

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