Heckmondwike couple Gerald and Muriel say they feel “blessed” as they celebrate 73rd wedding anniversary

The couple, who are residents at Spen Court Care Home, met on November 9, 1948 and married on May 23, 1953.

They said they feel “extremely fortunate to have had the life they have lived and to be blessed with the support of a loving family.”

The general manager at Spen Court care home, said: “This has been a huge amount of fun and it’s lovely when we have something to celebrate.”

To mark the anniversary, the couple received a card from King Charles.

Gerald grew up on a farm, and was a farmer and farm owner throughout his life, while Muriel worked in occupational therapy in a hospital, as well as farming with Gerald.

They couple went onto have four children: Cathy, Jackie, Stuart and Mike; as well as nine grandchildren: Oliver, Harry, Pippa, Alison, Scarlett, Noah, Rick, Kylie and Pat.

They have one great-granddaughter: Isla.

The couple celebrated their diamond anniversary in 2015, sixty fifth anniversary in 2018 and their platinum anniversary in 2023.