Golden couple are shining example

Joan and George Nidgley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by hosting a party and asking friends and family to donate to a lymphoma charity in the place of buying gifts.

Mrs Nidgley said: “I have lymphoma so we decided to use our anniversary as a combined day.

“We didn’t want any presents because after 50 years you have everything you need.

“George and I have always been best friends. He is everything to me. Without George I don’t know if I would have gotten through chemotherapy. He is my rock.”

Joan, 72, and George, 76, began courting in 1963 while they were completing nursing training at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, and became engaged six weeks later.

They married at Keighley Parish Church on August 15, 1964, and have lived in Batley throughout their marriage.

And the couple have kept the same house, in Smithie Moor Lane, since 1968.

Mrs Nidgley worked as a nurse around the Batley area for many years and Mr Nidgley later became a clergyman at St Mary’s, Gomersal.

They raised £955 for their chosen charity and Mrs Nidgley thanked all her guests for their generous donations.

She said that family has been the best part of their last 50 years together.

The couple have two children, Matthew and Ruth, and three grandchildren, Lucy, Anai and Lilija.