UK couple get married 65 years after split

A couple in the UK have finally married after they were forced to call off their engagement 65 years ago following a family row.

A family dispute meant Helen Andre, 82, and Davy Moakes, 86, from Derbyshire, never tied the knot in 1951.

Andre’s daughter Debbie Williams, who tracked Moakes down, said the pair were “madly in love” after being reunited.

She said they originally split because her mother’s parents did not approve of his job as an artist.

“Back in the 1950s [being an artist] was probably wasn’t considered a good career for a future son-in-law,” she said.

“It broke both their hearts but in those days you did as you were told,” Williams was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Williams said after her mother became widowed for a third time she decided to find Moakes.

She said: “They got talking and rekindled their relationship and they fell madly in love... I am so happy for them.” 

The couple, who have outlived five partners between them, were married at Ripley registry office on Friday afternoon.

Moakes said: “If you love someone as much as we do it never goes away.” 

The new Mrs Moakes said: “I’ve loved him all my life, I’m overjoyed, we’re together at last.”