A DEVOTED couple with a combined age of 177 are to tie the knot in Huddersfield.
But that’s only the start of the amazing love story about 92-year-old Margaret Dufty and her ‘toyboy’ fiance, 85-year-old John Hind.
For both have sight problems, both have battled cancer and Margaret has nursed John back to health after he fell down the stairs at the home they share and broke his neck.
And next Friday the couple will marry in a civil ceremony at the Old Golf House hotel at Outlane and then their wedding will be blessed in the nearby tiny St Mary Magdalene church.
John’s sons are former Lindley police officer Graeme Hind and his brother, Gavin, a sergeant major in the Yorkshire Regiment.
They will be joint best men after the original best man, 92-year-old Frank Collinson who was Graeme’s father-in-law, sadly lost his battle with cancer in September.
Graeme revealed: “My dad and Margaret have lived together for around four years but three years ago my dad got lung cancer and after radiotherapy treatment has it restrained for the time being.
“Margaret was diagnosed with bowel cancer three months ago and has had a course of radiotherapy as well and is coping well with the effects of it and remains up-beat and positive.
“While living with Margaret earlier this year my dad fell down her stairs and broke his neck but after several weeks in hospital she has nursed him back to health and they are really together as a couple who look out for one another.’’
Margaret said: “When we tell people we’re getting married at our age they laugh. I tell them I’m marrying my toyboy.”
John added: “It certainly surprises people. They have a good laugh but most people think it’s very good.
“Margaret and I get on well, we have a lot in common and we never argue. Getting married will make things even more special.”
The couple, who both served as sergeants in the army during World War Two, met through veterans’ charity St Dunstan’s.
“We first went on a group holiday to Brighton,” said Margaret. “When we got back John asked if I would go to Lake Garda just with him.
“I agreed, but only to separate rooms as I didn’t want any funny business.”
Graeme will be wearing Black Watch Kilt in honour of Frank’s war service with that regiment and Gavin will be donning his military dress uniform.
Graeme said: “My dad and Margaret met five years ago through St Dunstan’s and the family often joke that the reason they get on so well together is that they’ve never really seen each other.
“Since meeting they have travelled and been on holiday together to Brighton, Oban, Torquay, London, Lake Garda and on a Mediterranean Cruise.’’
Margaret was widowed in 1997 when her first husband, Ronald, died and John has been divorced for 32 years.
His former wife, Audrey, will be there – and she’s celebrating her 80th birthday.
Margaret will be attended by Graeme’s daughters Laura, 25, and Sarah, 20, and his son, 23-year-old James will give Margaret away.
The couple have set up home in Sheffield.
