Newlywed devastated as groom dies on honeymoon

A 78-year-old newlywed bride is in mourning after her husband collapsed and died on their honeymoon, it was reported today.

Jim McArthur, 76, reportedly suffered an aneurysm while on holiday in Lanzarote with his new wife Jean.

The couple had met in November after they got snowed in together at her home in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, following a dancing lesson.

They decided to marry after a whirlwind romance, and flew to Lanzarote last Wednesday.

A family friend said: "Jean is devastated, as are both families. Jim and Jean were on a high after the wedding. It's just tragic that it has ended this way.

"Jean's son Derek has gone over to be with his mum. Jim's body was being flown home yesterday."

The Rev Jim Mitchell, who presided at the couple's wedding earlier this month said: "Jean just desperately wants to come home, where she will get all the support she needs.

"It's so hard to believe Jim won't be coming back. You could not have met a nicer man."

The couple, both widowed, met after Mr McArthur went to his friend's home for a dancing lesson and realised he couldn't get his car out of a snowdrift.

Mrs McArthur, a former telephonist who lost her first husband George 19 years ago, said at the time of their wedding: "It's been a whirlwind romance, but you have to live every day like it's your last at our time of life.

"We're over the moon. Neither of us ever thought we'd marry again.

"Jim came to see me and couldn't get his car out again, and he never went back home.

"He proposed after we had been out for dinner. I was very surprised. Jim's a very caring thoughtful man and you just know when it's right."

Mr McArthur, a retired coach painter who served with the Royal Scots at Suez and in Cyprus, said at the time: "The snow definitely worked in our favour. It showed us we could get along without irritating each other.

"At this age, no one knows how long they've got, and it is great that Jean and I are able to help each other along in life.

"You have to grab happiness with both hands."

Mr McArthur had taken up dancing at the suggestion of a friend after being widowed.

Mrs McArthur explained shortly after their wedding: "A friend had suggested that he should try dancing as a way of getting out to meet people after he was widowed.

"He's a beginner and I've been dancing since I was a little girl, so I offered to help."