Pat and Dave Hughes from West Derby are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, having tied the knot at St Thomas Church in Wavertree on October 1, 1966. The couple, aged 81 and 82 respectively, have spent six decades together, but one subject has remained a source of friendly rivalry throughout their marriage: football.
Pat is a Liverpool fan, while Dave supports Everton. Despite their differing loyalties, they have proven that they can agree on something far more important - each other.
A lifelong disagreement
Pat said: “We agree on lots of things and we do lots of things together, and there are lots of things we disagree on – and that’s fine. One thing we disagree on is Liverpool and Everton. On derby day, I say we must win, so of course, he wants to win. That’s one day we are never in agreement.”
The couple marked their diamond wedding anniversary while both being cared for at St Joseph’s Hospice in Thornton, where staff have helped make their milestone particularly special.
Love at first sight
Their love story began in rather less romantic circumstances. Pat first met Dave at his mum’s house after she went there with a friend because she needed to use the toilet. Pat’s first impression of Dave was that he had a very good record collection, but for Dave, it was love at first sight.
They married in 1966 and initially moved to Rainhill before returning to Liverpool and settling in West Derby. Over the years, they have built a family of three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, including a new arrival recently.
Complementary personalities
Despite their very different personalities and football loyalties, Pat said they have always complemented one another. She said: “I’m the one who is always organising things and doing things, and Dave is the one who, well, we’ve always worked things out. We’ve just got different personalities, but they gelled together. I think that’s probably why it’s lasted so long.”
Music has also been a huge part of their life together as both love 1960s music and enjoy jiving and twisting, while Dave was a member of the Liverpool Male Voice Choir and Pat is a member of a local singing choir.
Royal recognition and hospice praise
Their 60th anniversary has also been marked by a special card from Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, congratulating them on six decades of marriage.
Pat was keen to praise the people caring for them at St Joseph’s Hospice. She said: “Every member of staff has congratulated us, and the way they’ve been looking after us has been amazing. They haven’t just looked after Dave, they’ve looked after me as well. The hospice is just awesome. And, of course, the beautiful grounds mean we can get out and walk around and take Dave out in his wheelchair. Although the wheel fell off yesterday, it gave me a bit of excitement.”
