‘Tolerance is the best virtue’ – Stansted care home residents share secret to a happy marriage on 73rd anniversary

Love was well and truly in the air at a Stansted care home when two residents celebrated a very special milestone.

Derek Shaw, aged 98 and his wife, Dorothy, aged 94, both residents at Care UK’s Mountfitchet House on Coltsfield, toasted their 73^rd wedding anniversary on 11^th August.

The happy couple met in their early twenties when they bonded over their shared love for tennis at their local club in their hometown of Totteridge.

Derek said: “I was only 24 when we first met but, even then, I knew Dorothy was the one for me!”

Throughout the years, Derek and Dorothy have explored the world together, making memories on trips to Malta, France, Germany, Spain and Cornwall – which they unanimously agreed was their favourite location.

Dorothy commented: “It’s been a wonderful seven decades, we’ve had some wonderful experiences and we’ve made some incredible memories together – as well as learning that tolerance is definitely the best virtue!”

To celebrate the special milestone, the team at Mountfitchet House decorated the home with banners and balloons. The happy couple were also surprised with a romantic lunch, specially made by the home’s talented Head Chef.

Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “Here at Mountfitchet House, we know the importance of celebrating life’s milestones, big and small. This was a big day for Derek and Dorothy, and one we were honoured to be a part of. They are a wonderful couple, with lots of wisdom about building a strong and successful marriage that I think we could all learn from.

“The atmosphere in the home was wonderful and prompted many residents to reminisce and share fond memories of their own weddings. It truly was a day to remember – happy anniversary Derek and Dorothy!”

Mountfitchet House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.