Couple’s golden gift to charity
Published: July 13, 2007
Sweethearts Frank and Sue Smith are preparing to celebrate their Golden Anniversary after overcoming a string of health problems.
And the couple are hoping to help local cancer patients by asking for donations to a local charity rather than accepting gifts.
Frank and Sue, of Langden Crescent, Bamber Bridge, will have been married for 50 years on June 8.
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They are celebrating their anniversary with family and friends at the British Legion in Lostock Hall two days later.
The couple, who have two children, Jacqueline, 49 and John, 46, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren have both undergone major surgery and survived cancer.
Sue had a triple heart bypass 13 years ago and then in 2004 she was diagnosed with bowel cancer, which she survived due to surgery and chemotherapy.
Recently, Sue was informed that she would have to undergo another triple heart bypass due to a hereditary heart condition.
The 71-year-old, who worked as a supervisor at Plumbs, Cherry Mill Road, Preston, said: “There were times when we thought we’d never make it but it’s absolutely marvellous that we can celebrate 50 years together, with all our family.”
The couple first met outside a dance in the Co-op Hall in Longridge in 1956, when they were both attacked by a gang of youths.
They ended up in a police station at which point Frank asked Sue whether he could escort her home.
A year later they were married in Sacred Hearts Church, Beech Grove, Ashton.
Frank was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2006, and had to have major surgery to remove the kidney.
The 70 year old worked at Leyland Motors and then went onto to become head security guard at Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters, Hutton.
He said the secret to a successful marriage is to work together.
He added: “We’ve had our arguments but we’ve always pulled together when it was needed and we shared everything, and now we’re here even after all our health problems and we have a good happy family with us.”
The couple have asked guests to donate money towards Rosemere Cancer Care, Royal Preston Hospital, instead of giving them presents.
Daughter Jacqueline, of Ward Street, Lostock Hall, said: “This is such a big achievement as they’ve had so much bad news over past years and it is a lovely idea to ask for donations, typical of mum and dad to put others before themselves.”
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