Kathleen and Fred celebrate 75th wedding anniversary at Kettering care home after months apart

A loved-up couple celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in style at a Kettering care home after being unable to see each other for three months.

Before the Covid-19 lockdown Fred Chapman, 99, would visit his wife Kathleen, 97, every day without fail at Elm Bank in Northampton Road.

When visiting was stopped because of the pandemic they could only communicate on Skype.

But they were reunited with a safely-managed visit just in time to mark their 75th anniversary on June 27 with an afternoon tea, a special cake and bubbly - which they "thoroughly enjoyed".

Acting general manager Jayne Burgess said: "We had such a lovely day celebrating Kathleen and Fred's anniversary.

"It's so wonderful to see two people still very much in love after all these years.

"Being able to connect in person has not only lifted their spirits but has had a positive impact on everyone here."

Like many care homes up and down the country Elm Bank, run by Barchester Healthcare, was tragically affected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

One resident died and others tested positive for the virus.

Jayne thanked family members and local firms for their messages of support and donations throughout the pandemic.

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