Ron and Una Hesselden have gone platinum.
After meeting as teenagers before the outbreak of the Second World War, the Fixby couple are celebrating an incredible 70 years of happy marriage, putting their secret down to “teamwork”.
Ron, 93, is one of the founders of Huddersfield turbocharger manufacturers Holset, now Cummins, as well as the UK’s oldest person with skin disorder Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EB).
Despite having led busy lives, which include two children, four granchildren and four great-grandchildren, the couple are a picture of health.
“I couldn’t have done any of the things I’ve done without Una”, Ron smiled. “I owe it all to her.”
Ron has also been a local magistrate and a governor for Huddersfield Technical College (now Kirklees College), the former Polytechnic (now the University) and Salendine Nook High School.
Una, 92, has volunteered for several local projects across Huddersfield including Meals On Wheels and for EB charity DEBRA.
Ron added: “We have had a wonderful happy life together and a delightful family.
“We are all very close and support each other a lot.
“It’s been a wonderful 70 years and we are very fortunate to have been together for this length of time.”
Ron and Una were delighted to receive their third congratulatory card from the Queen.
They married in Halifax on March 23, 1946, having met several years earlier aged 16 and 17.
They said: “The secret to staying together and being happy is to just pull together and support one another for everything you do or take an interest in.”
READ MORE:Harold Wilson's family enjoy a "lovely day out" in Huddersfield
Ron said: “Without Una, Holset would have never happened and I wouldn’t have done very much. She has been the rock for the family and cared for us.”
Ron’s skin condition has been partially debilitating and has been inherited by son Paul, 63, and grandaughter Gillian, 32.
EB causes extreme sensitivity to bruising and Ron is unable to fully use his fingers, but says he has been “fortunate” so far.
He added: “We’re hopeful to reach 80 years of marriage now.”
