A COUPLE from Bude have been reunited thanks to the efforts of a local care home and their family.

Ted and Peggy Timms celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on March 15.

Ted, who is 96-years-old, is Peggy’s carer. She herself is 92.

The couple had been living independently, but recently Ted had to go into hospital for just over three weeks.

Peggy needed to be looked after in his absence and became a resident of Fairfield Country Rest Home in Launcells.

When Ted was able to leave hospital and return home, his family persuaded him that if he wanted to be with Peggy, which he was so keen to be, the only way would be for him to also go in the home.

Helen Goodgroves, care manager at Fairfields, told the couple’s family that fortunately there was a room available.

So Ted moved into his room at the home, where he had to be isolated for seven days due to the current situation, before he was able to see his wife.

Ted and Peggy’s son, Chris explained: “Mum didn’t know that he was under the same roof. If she knew she might have become anxious.”

After the seven days was up, the secret was revealed. Staff filmed Peggy sat in a chair in the residents’ lounge, while the carers helped Ted into the room.

He walked over to be reunited once again with his wife. It was a heartwarming moment for everyone.

Helen said: “We’re the ones that have got lucky, by having such a lovely couple. They just light up the place. It’s lovely to see that sort of happiness.”

Chris added: “We were thinking for the best interests of my parents. We were so pleased that dad decided to go into the home. The home is a marvellous place. They are very happy.”