Pensioners separated in lockdown mark 65th anniversary with ‘cushion cuddle’

It is a far cry from real thing. But two great-grandparents who have been separated over lockdown celebrated their blue sapphire wedding anniversary with the help of cuddles from cushions made with pictures of their faces.

Andy Davidson an 88-year-old resident at Jesmond Care Home in Aberdeen

Andy Davidson, an 88-year-old resident at Jesmond Care Home in Aberdeen, and his 86-year-old wife Margaret marked 65 years of marriage with a socially-distanced outdoor lunch at a care home.

The couple were able to enjoy some food and a whisky while separated by a Perspex screen as they marked their milestone together.

Their daughter Brenda had cushions made with pictures of their faces on them “so they can cuddle up together” while care home visiting remains restricted.

Andy and Margaret Davidson on their wedding day in 1955.

She also organised a cake, while Mr Davidson made a picture for his wife with a blue heart to represent their blue sapphire anniversary.

When asked what the secret is to a long and happy marriage, Mr Davidson said they “have just always gotten along fine”.

The couple met at work in 1951 and married on 30 July four years later at New Deer South Church near Turriff, Aberdeenshire.

Mr Davidson worked for a local builder’s firm before carrying out national service for two years, and when he returned his future wife was the new office clerk.

Margaret Davidson holding a blue heart to represent their sapphire anniversary

They were formally introduced by her brother Gordon at a dance - with Mr Davidson proposing at another dance in New Deer which eventually became their wedding venue.

Mrs Davidson said: “Andy was always a quiet man. We were walking along the road and he turned to me and said ‘Let’s get married’.”

As well as daughter Brenda the couple are parents to son Andrew, grandparents to three children and have one great-grandchild.

Mr Davidson said he “couldn’t believe” they have been married 65 years, while care home staff said they were impressed at the constant compliments he gives his wife, telling her she “looked really good”.

Jade McGowan, activities co-ordinator at the Renaissance Care home, said: “It was great to be able to help set the anniversary celebration up for Andy and Margaret.

“Lockdown has been tough for all of our residents’ loved ones and it’s been fantastic seeing them reunite over the last few weeks.

“But to mark 65 years of love between the pair was extra special.”