Keighley couple celebrate 50 years of marriage as hospital volunteers

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 7 Oct, 06:16 · Archive

Lillian and Wayne Deakin from Keighley have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, attributing their 50-year marriage to faith, love and laughter.

Lillian and Wayne Deakin from Keighley celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on September 18, marking 50 years of marriage. The couple, who are both regular volunteers at Bradford Royal Infirmary, say the secret to their long and happy relationship is 'faith, love, and laughter'.

Wayne, 76, said: 'Christ is important in our lives, but we're also as daft as brushes and enjoy a good laugh. We love doing things together and don't like being away from each other.' Lillian, 71, added: 'The recipe to a long and happy marriage is also love.' They celebrated their anniversary with a meal at the Airedale Heifer.

The pair met as teenagers through Lillian's Baptist church, describing it as 'love at first sight'. Wayne said: 'I walked into a youth meeting at the Baptist church and Lillian was the first person I saw on and I'd never seen a more beautiful woman in my life. I went home and prayed that we'd meet again.' Two weeks later they encountered each other again at a Baptist youth camp in Scarborough, where they were paired together for the week. They married on September 18, 1976, at the United Reformed Congregation in Keighley and have lived in the area ever since.

Both are dedicated volunteers at the hospital. Wayne has volunteered since 2019, spending time with patients on Wards 4 and 31. Lillian, a former nurse, volunteers on Wards 1 and 22. She joined the Spiritual, Pastoral and Religious Care team after retiring from her role as a receptionist at St Luke's Hospital.

How it is being reported

• Hospital volunteers from Keighley celebrate 50 years of marriage togetherLillian and Wayne Deakin, from Keighley, who volunteer at Bradford Royal Infirmary, are celebrating 50 years of marriage.Keighley News · 7 Oct, 05:00
• 'We are daft as brushes and enjoy good laugh' - Couple's 50 years of marriageThe pair are both regular volunteers at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI).Telegraph & Argus · 7 Oct, 05:00
• Hospital volunteers who are 'daft as brushes' share secret to 50 years of marriageThe Keighley couple volunteer at Bradford Royal Infirmary every MondayHuddersfield Examiner · 7 Oct, 04:00

In this story: Lillian Deakin · Wayne Deakin · Bradford Royal Infirmary · Keighley

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