A COUPLE’S celebrations for a major milestone were even more significant after a ‘horrendous’ couple of years.

David and Gwynneth Leinweber, from Heversham, marked their 60th wedding anniversary with a meal at their favourite restaurant, Wilf’s Cafe, in Staveley, on Friday.

The couple have been faced with a catalogue of medical incidents and during the last two years Mr Leinweber has suffered a stroke, a heart attack, had a pace maker fitted, broken his wrist, broken his arm in two places, broken his collar bone, suffered gout and has recently been diagnosed with skin cancer.

Meanwhile Mrs Leinweber, who has nursed her husband throughout, had to cancel her long awaited 80th birthday celebrations due to Covid.

And the couple were devastated after Mr Leinweber's ill health, combined with Covid, meant they were unable to attend their grandson's wedding recently.

The whole family has not been able to get together since before the pandemic.

Mrs Leinweber said that their shared sense of humour had helped them get through the ‘hard times’.

The couple met at The Palais dance hall in Bolton and were married at St Peters Church, Halliwell.

The Westmorland Gazette: NEWLYWED: David and Gwynneth on their wedding day

Mrs Leinweber was born in the town, whereas her husband was evacuated to Bolton from London during World War II.

They eventually moved to Heversham in 1982.

“Mum said she prayed that she would meet the right man and soon after met dad in The Palais dance hall in Bolton,” said the couple’s son, Nigel Leinweber.

Mr Leinweber, 82, worked as a quantity surveyor and builder, while Mrs Leinweber, 81, supported the family at home.

They have three children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

And the secret to a happy marriage according to Mr Leinweber is ‘love and understanding’, while Mrs Leinweber said it was ‘the four fs: Faith, Family, Friends, Fun’.

The Westmorland Gazette: LOVE: David said the secret to a happy marriage is love and understanding

“They are an inspiration to us all,” said Nigel.

“Their love for each other is undeniable and an unbreakable bond.

“Without doubt, and they’d be the first to admit it, their strong Christian faith has given them the strength to not only help them through the tough times but given them a platform to help and support family and friends through their problems.

“Always there in times of need to lend a positive, calm, sensible solution, forever putting others first.”