Two loved-up care home residents marry and say 'it's been a dream come true'

A couple who fell in love in a care home in Surrey have tied the knot saying “it’s been a dream come true”.

Simon Fisher, aged 55, proposed to Tina Dawn, aged 63, on Christmas Day, three years ago.

The pair who live at Crest Lodge in Hindhead, used to be neighbours, and met each other again when they moved to the home, nine years ago.

Simon said: “We already knew each other and got even closer whilst living at Crest Lodge, where we met eight to nine years ago. I decided I wanted to marry Tina, so proposed about three years ago on our favourite day of the year, Christmas Day.

“She responded by saying she’d think about it, but in reality, she’d already bought my engagement ring six months prior and was waiting for me to catch up!”

With the help of staff at Crest Lodge, the loved-up couple recently tied the knot at Guildford Register Office, following a reception ceremony back at the care home.

Simon and Tina selected Crest Lodge wellbeing coordinator, Christopher Edwards, to be their best man. In addition, fellow wellbeing coordinator, Donna Paul, and care home manager, Krasi Petrova, were chosen as witnesses at the couple’s wedding.

'We've had a marvellous time'

Newlywed Tina said: “We’ve had a marvellous time and have been so fortunate to have a lovely car, a lovely service and beautiful, colourful decorations. A huge thank you to all the team at Crest Lodge for helping make this happen — it’s been a dream come true.”

Alan Walton-Harrod, mental health specialist nurse at Crest Lodge, said: “This is the first time ever in my 48 years of psychiatry that two residents or clients have got married, and it’s wonderful and very encouraging. I wish Simon and Tina all the very best for the future.”

Shaleeza Hasham, head of hospitality and communications at CHD Living, added: “We are over the moon that we were able to provide Simon and Tina with their very own fairy-tale wedding.

“CHD Living is a family-owned and operated care provider, and whether at board level or within the homes amongst our residents, all staff get treated like family. Our family did us proud — from arranging the décor at Crest Lodge to organising the vintage Sunbeam Rapier car, every single detail of the wedding was considered and executed to perfection.”

She added: “In particular, I would like to thank Krasi Petrova, home manager at Crest Lodge and Michelle Woodyatt, wellbeing co-ordinator at Kings Lodge, for their exceptional efforts in making this such a special and memorable day. We will never forget the happiness brought to two of our residents, and are delighted to think we played a role in their ‘happily ever after’.”

Crest Lodge cares for people with mental health needs, and is home to an experienced team that focuses on delivering professional care with respect and dignity. It additionally provides nursing, residential, respite and end-of-life care, as well as offering care for a range of specialist conditions, such as Parkinson’s Disease and brain injuries.

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