Leeds couple reunited for Valentine's Day dinner as man moves into care home to be with his wife

Colin, 75 and Jane Bagshaw, 72, have been married for 44 years but hadn’t seen each other since November when Colin suffered a stroke.

Jane has dementia and was being cared for by Colin at home.

However, she had to move into Oulton Manor care home when Colin went into hospital.

After months apart, Colin was discharged and decided to move into the same care home so he could be with his wife.

The reunion was particularly emotional for Jane who had found it very difficult to be away from Colin, and had asked after him every day they were apart.

Since reuniting, they have been inseparable, and Jane’s mood has lifted immeasurably.

The pair now plan to live together at Oulton Manor long-term.

Colin said: "I have missed Jane so much.

"We have never been apart for so long.

"Getting to be with her again is all I wanted and seeing her looking so well is wonderful."

Jane and Colin first met at a pub in Morley, when Colin says he used "his charm" to attract "beautiful" Jane away from the many other suitors.

Colin likes to joke that if he had been given a pound every time he visited Jane in Rothwell during their courtship, he would be a rich man.

They married on April 4, 1967, and had many adventures travelling the world together.

The couple then retired to Scarborough, but are glad to be back in Leeds as it is a place with so many happy memories.

Care home staff were so moved by the couple's story, that they hosted a special romantic meal for them on Valentine’s Day, to celebrate their love.

Michelle Rhodes, Manager at Anchor Hanover’s Oulton Manor care home, said: “It was so lovely to see Colin and Jane reunite after so long apart.

"The change in Jane was remarkable – her face positively lit up when she saw him, and Colin’s been reminiscing a lot about when they first met and how he ‘smooth-talked’ her.”

Emma Bagshaw, Colin’s niece, said:"Inseparable for nearly 50 years of marriage, we are so relieved that Uncle Colin and Auntie Jane can be together again.

"It has been a tough few months due to poor health and the pandemic but finally Colin and Jane are together where they are most happy and can be cared for and safe. Thank you, Oulton Manor.”