Wigan Couple celebrate their 70th Wedding Anniversary

A couple from Wigan, Hilda and Cyril Davies are celebrating their Platinum Wedding Anniversary today, 12^th September, at Mahogany Care Home, which is part of the We Care Group, having married at St Peter’s, Bryn on 12^th September 1953.

Cyril, who is now 91 years old, was born in London and moved to Wigan when he was 4 years old, met Hilda, who is now 92 years old, at Queens in Ashton-in-Makerfield. Cyril was a panel beater and Hilda worked as a secretary. They fell in love and married at St Peter’s, Bryn on 12^th September 1953. They had 2 children Susan and Stephen, sadly Stephen passed away in 2022 aged 60 years old. They have 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Cyril was diagnosed with dementia and Hilda and the whole family were devasted but they found you can have a life after the diagnosis and a very good one, joining different groups including Rugby Memories (Wigan Warriors Community Foundation), which daughter Sue now helps to run, along with Matt from the Community Foundation. The couple have made new friends at these groups and have enjoyed lots of new activities from aerobics, curling, boccia as well as going on holiday together as a group, proving there is certainly live after diagnosis and have enjoyed a really good one. With the help and support of Mahogany Care Home Cyril will be able to continue with these groups.

Sadly, due to a decline in Cyril’s mobility and dementia the family had to find a care home, with only a week before their big anniversary they thought they would be unable to celebrate this momentous day, but luckily, they found Mahogany Care Home. Cyril moved in earlier this week and the family plans for a celebration were back on track thanks to the Jessy, the manager at the home.

They celebrated their special day Saturday 9^th September surrounded by family and friends. They were delighted to received a special card from King Charles and Queen Camilla to mark their momentous day. A wonderful afternoon was had by everyone.

Sue Metcalf, daughter of Cyril and Hilda said “We were devasted when we were told that we couldn’t care for dad at home any longer due to his declining mobility and dementia.” She continued “When we visited Mahogany Care Home it was perfect for dad, they could meet his needs and mum could visit whenever she wanted and that they were happy to help us celebrate their 70^th Wedding Anniversary.”

Jessy Gaskell, Manager at Mahogany Care Home said “We know how difficult it is when a loved one has to move into a care home, which is especially difficult for Hilda who has rarely been separated from Cyril over the last 70 years.” She continued. “We are delighted and honoured to help Cyril and Hilda to celebrate this wonderful occasion and support them to spend as much quality time together at Mahogany Care Home”

Bernie Suresparan, Chief Executive Officer at We Care Group said “Congratulations to Cyril and Hilda on your Platinum Anniversary. It is an honour and a privilege to help celebrate such a momentous occasion.” He continued “We hope you have many more happy years together.”

The We Care Group, which has been operating since 2007, is building a good reputation in the local area as part of its drive to be care home provider of choice in the communities it serves. Helping residents and their families celebrate momentous occasions such at Cyril and Hilda’s 70^th Wedding Anniversary and creating wonderful memories for residents and families is one of the ways that will help us achieve this.