THEY say the path of true love never did run smoothly – but for one Leeds couple, reaching Valentine’s Day in 2024 has an even more special significance.
Colin and Jean Groundwell, age 81 and 79 respectively, celebrated their 60th anniversary inDecember –despite Colin moving to Nesfield Lodge last year, part of the Orchard Care Homes group, following a dementia diagnosis and Jean remaining in the family home in Leeds.
This Valentine’s Day is the first one they mark whilst not living under the same roof – but the kind-hearted employees at Nesfield Lodge are making sure the loving couple can still celebrate in style.
Colin and Jean will be treated to a surprise candlelit dinner at Nesfield Lodge, along with cards and gifts.
Colin married the love of his life Jean on December 23, 1963. They met when Jean was 15 and worked with Colin’s mother Alice. Alice brought Jean home for tea one day; the following Monday she turned 16 and Colin was thoughtful enough to buy her a box of Terry’s All Gold chocolates.
They were engaged when Jean turned 17. However Jean’s father Sammi stated that they could not marry till she was 21 years old; but the couple successfully found rented accommodation together which persuaded Sammi to change his mind, allowing his daughter to marry aged 19. They enjoyed a happy life together and had two sons, Mark and Ian.
The family have always been very close and full of love for each other, so when Colin was diagnosed with dementia and needed to move to Nesfield Lodge, this just made the family unit stronger.
Colin moved in during March 2023, but living in different locations was no barrier for the couple, as Jean visits Colin every day come rain, sleet or snow.
