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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Rosaleen Fenton

Woman, 77, marries 'perfect man' who moved into her care home during pandemic

Two elderly care home residents married each other in a heartwarming ceremony after falling in love during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Besotted Mary Turrell, 77, said it was "love at first sight" when Derek Brown, also 77, moved into the care home during the pandemic.

Now the pair have wed - less than a year later - in front of their delighted families and friends in a sweet ceremony.

The 'inseparable' lovebirds said their eyes met 'across a crowded room' and they quickly hit it off.

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Derek Brown and Mary Turrell with their friends and family at Easterlea Rest Home (Portsmouth News/Solent News)

The ceremony at Easterlea Rest Home in Denmead, near Portsmouth, Hants, was attended by Derek and Mary's family members as well as staff and other residents.

Mary, who has lived at the home since 2017, said for all the hardships the pandemic brought, it helped her find her 'perfect man'.

She said: "It was love at first sight. He is everything I ever wanted. We sing, we paint, dance if I can keep on my feet. Most things we do together.

"Life can be tough but it brought me my perfect man."

The besotted couple (Portsmouth News/Solent News)

Derek, who moved in just before Christmas, added: "And I've got my perfect woman. Mary was already here and my niece got me in here. That's when we first met.

"All of a sudden we got together, and ever since then we've been very, very close. She's a good girl."

The couple invited family and friends to join them at the home for the special day.

The bride carried a pink and purple bouquet of blossoms, and the groom wore a matching bloom pinned to his shirt pocket.

Did you marry later in life? Email rosaleen.fenton@reachplc.com

Mary said: "We wanted to mingle all the families together so they get to know one another and keep seeing one another."

Carol Boyce-Flowers, manager at Easterlea Rest Home, said: "We'd love to congratulate Derek on Mary on finding happiness at Easterlea.

"It was the first wedding we have hosted and are delighted that two of our residents found love at a time in their lives when some others have stopped looking.

"Romance blossomed after Derek moved into Easterlea a year ago and they have since become inseparable.

"Everyone really enjoyed the day."

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