‘We’re proving you’re never too old for love,’ says couple

Geoff Fawcett, 90, proposed to Kathleen Wainwright, 85, at Anchor’s The Manor House Care Home in Harrogate, making them one of nine couples celebrating Valentine’s Day there.

Kathleen, a former music teacher, said: “I feel really lucky to have found someone at this stage in my life that I can have such a good time with.

“I never thought I’d get engaged at this age but sometimes things just feel right and it’s lovely to have someone by my side for all these adventures. You should never give up on finding someone for you.”

The couple met at a gala last summer and have been inseparable since, with Geoff introducing Kathleen to Chinese food for the first time and taking her on a canal boat dinner cruise through Skipton in North Yorkshire.

Ken and Laura Richards, both in their late 80s, have been living at the care home since 2022. They fell in love as young lecturers in Slovenia and tied the knot in Rome in 1962.

“Laura and I have lived so much of our lives together and have so many wonderful memories that I couldn’t imagine life without her,” Ken shared to the Daily Mirror. “I am so happy to be spending another Valentine’s Day together.”

The care home is also home to other couples like June and John Privett, Bill and Maddy Shucksmith, John and Audrey Burgess, and George and Janet Robinson who have been married for nearly six decades.

After first locking eyes at a dance hall in Nottingham, they dated for a year before getting hitched. George, 85, and Janet, 81, are known for their adventurous spirit, having travelled the world together after their children moved out.

They’ve visited Russia, Thailand, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Dubai, the United States, Canada, Australia twice and New Zealand five times.

When asked about the secret to their lasting love, George said: “We work well together. We’re looking forward to spending another Valentine’s day together.”

Stephanie Foulds, the home manager, added: “Here at Anchor’s The Manor House, we have nine happy couples and these lovely people can live and be together whatever their circumstances may be.

“So it is indeed an honour to be a prime candidate for the most romantic care home in the country. There are lifelong couples who enter our care home together and there are people who come in alone who form new friendships and relationships.

“With so many social activities and events taking place, romantic relationships can blossom and we support people to continue to enjoy their lives through the bonds they form. Love is where the heart is and our home is where the heart is.”