Sutton Coldfield couple shares marriage wisdom for Valentine’s Day

After being married for more than half of a century, a Sutton Coldfield care home resident has shared her advice to build lifelong relationships. 

According to Patricia “Pat” Daniel, who lives at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, being “caring, loving and considerate” is key to a long, successful relationship. 

Born and raised in Handsworth, Pat, 90, met her husband Colin when they were both 18. At the time, he was one of her brother’s friends.

Recalling the life-changing moment, Pat said: “It was my brother’s birthday, and Colin didn’t drink at all that night. He asked for a cup of tea and I was the one to make him that cup of tea.” 

The small yet thoughtful gesture quickly made them inseparable, and it wasn’t long until Colin popped the question on a memorable Valentine’s Day date just three years later. That evening, Colin took her to a hotel restaurant in Handsworth before getting on one knee. Upon their return home, they were surprised by Pat’s family, who had gathered to welcome them back – one of Pat’s favourite memories. 

“It was a lovely and nice surprise,” Pat recalled.

When asked for their secret to a long marriage, Colin, who visits Pat at Mercia Grange every day, replied: “To say yes to everything Pat asks me to and to keep quiet”. 

To mark the anniversary of Colin’s proposal, Pat and her husband plan to honour their longstanding tradition of an evening meal, with the team at Mercia Grange organising a special private dining experience for the couple.  

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Each time Colin visits Pat, her face lights up; their dedication to each other is truly inspiring to all of us. 

 “Moving into a care home doesn’t mean the end of celebrating special milestones. Valentine’s Day is a date many couples who live with us look forward to every year, but it’s even more special for Colin and Pat, as it marks the anniversary of their engagement – so we knew we had to help them celebrate in the best possible way. 

“It has been really lovely to hear all about what drew Colin and Pat together. It’s also given everyone else at the home an opportunity to reminisce, so it’s safe to say love is definitely in the air at Mercia Grange!”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The three-storey home, which features 67 en suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. It incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and very popular Sadlers Café.