©InfoThe British Red Cross often gets thank you cards and donations from people grateful for its support, but one Welsh couple were so moved by their volunteers’ kindness that they went one step further.
Pensioner Mary Davies and her husband Dilwyn recently celebrated 60 – yes, that’s 60 – years of contented marriage by asking all their friends to give donations to the Red Cross instead of buying them presents.
The Carmarthenshire couple are especially happy because for a long while it looked like they wouldn’t see their landmark diamond anniversary together.
'Meant a lot'
Two years ago, Mary was so ill she needed emergency surgery and ten weeks in hospital. Eventually, doctors sent her home and warned the family to expect the worst.
At this point, the Red Cross’ care in the home service stepped in to offer some much-needed support. Mary received three visits a day from the Red Cross (later reduced to one daily visit) for 12 continuous months. Then gradually, and unexpectedly, her condition started to improve – until a few months later she was back to her old self.
Looking back, the pensioner recalled: “The Red Cross carers were so good to me and so understanding. It was very important to have that help at the time – it meant such a lot.”
Give something back
Mary and Dilwyn never forgot the carers’ kindness, and decided their diamond wedding anniversary would be an ideal time to show their appreciation.
As Mary put it: “There’s no point in us receiving presents – we don’t need anything. We’d much prefer to give something back to the Red Cross so that others in a similar situation can enjoy the same support we received.