A COUPLE who have been married for 72 years brought months of heartache to an end when they were reunited for a special celebration.

Jean and Sidney Spalding have spent the past seven months apart because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sidney was moved into Kilkee Lodge care home, in Braintree, back in February - just a month before the UK went into lockdown.

The couple have spoken to each other on the phone everyday since they were separated but were unable to see each other because of visitor restrictions in care homes.

But after seven months apart, and with a little support from Eastlight housing association, Jean was finally able to reunite with her husband to celebrate his 93rd birthday.

Jean, who is 90, said: "It was so lovely to see him after all that time. He didn't want me to come because I had a nasty fall two years ago and don't find it easy to get around.

"But I had to go and see him on his birthday.

"Our carers were able to organise it and the care home were really helpful as well.

"My friend Jill Hopkins made him a sponge cake and I was able to treat him to a fish and chip supper.

"Sidney didn’t want to let go of my hand after the party. It was really hard saying goodbye.

"I’m so grateful to staff at the care home, to Dawn Simmons at Eastlight, and to our friends, family and neighbours for their help and support over the last few months."

Care home manager Sam Reeves said: “It was a lovely idea for Sidney and his wife to see each other.

"We are lucky to have a conservatory where people can meet up at a safe distance whilst wearing appropriate PPE, so we were able to accommodate a visit for them.

"It was very difficult keeping it from Sidney as Jean really wanted it to be a surprise, and it was just that - a lovely surprise.”

Jean first met Sidney when they were celebrating the end of the war in the square in Braintree.

The couple married three years later at the town's registry office and have lived in the area throughout their lives.

Sidney is expected to remain at Kilkee Lodge care home but Jean says plans are already in place to visit him again later this month.

She added: "It's our wedding anniversary coming up in October so I've already spoken to the Eastlight and the carers and hopefully we can see each other again then.

"We've been through a lot together but have had a happy life.

"We always come up fighting so it won't be any different now."