A West Derby couple are celebrating their diamond anniversary despite nearly being cruelly parted only a short time after their 1960 wedding.
Irene, 80, and Leslie Boyd, 82, are both high risk of coronavirus which meant that family members were struggling to find a way to celebrate their special anniversary.
Leslie was nearly forced to say goodbye to his new bride only a short time after they wed, when in the early 1960s, Irene spent 18 months in hospital with tuberculosis.
Leslie also suffers with kidney failure which makes the family even more grateful to see today.
Their daughter, Martina McDermott, and granddaughter, Natasha Fearon, both decided to throw a surprise celebration for the couple in the garden.
Martina reached out to the Queen, who sent the couple a telegram to mark their big day which they were ecstatic about.
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Martina told the ECHO : "[The telegram] has arrived, they're well chuffed. They were very impressed with the envelope.
"They're made up to have the fuss over them, it's not everyday you celebrate 60 years."
The surprise celebration meant that their garden was filled with balloons and an afternoon tea has been ordered for the loving couple to enjoy.
The pair's wedding unintentionally meant that they got married on April Fool's Day, something that the family find quite funny.
Martina said: "They got married on Easter Saturday, April 1st. It's always been a laugh and joke, they were married on April Fool's Day."
The couple have stuck together through sickness and health.
Their 56-year-old daughter said: "It's something we never thought we'd get to see.
"They've both had health issues in the past where they've had to help each other.
"Their love is something that's constant, it's something to aspire to."
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