Former Neighbours Tie the Knot After Reconnecting at a Surrey Care Home
Church bells are ringing out for a pair of former neighbours after tying the knot at a Surrey care home – where they reconnected years later as residents.
Originally hailing from Farnham, 55-year-old Simon John Fisher and 63-year-old Tina Dawn Clark reconnected after moving into CHD Living’s Crest Lodge, in Hindhead, a care home that specialises in supporting those with mental health needs.
Finding themselves living in close quarters for the second time in their lives, the duo, who previously lived just four doors down from one another, bonded through hours of late-night chats, organised activities and excursions — before Simon romantically bent the knee on Christmas Day.
Simon said: “We already knew each other and got even closer whilst living at Crest Lodge, where we met eight to nine years ago. I decided I wanted to marry Tina, so proposed about three years ago on our favourite day of the year, Christmas Day. She responded by saying she’d think about it, but in reality, she’d already bought my engagement ring six months prior and was waiting for me to catch up!”
With the support of staff at Crest Lodge, the loved-up couple recently tied the knot at Guildford Register Office, following a heartfelt reception ceremony at the care home.
Showcasing the deep-rooted family ethos inherent throughout the CHD Living services, Simon and Tina selected Crest Lodge wellbeing coordinator, Christopher Edwards, to be their best man.
In addition, fellow wellbeing coordinator, Donna Paul, and home manager, Krasi Petrova, were chosen as witnesses to the couple’s matrimony — with the wider team helping to create the fairy-tale wedding of dreams.
Reflecting on the beauty of the day, newlywed Tina said: “We’ve had a marvellous time and have been so fortunate to have a lovely car, a lovely service and beautiful, colourful decorations. A huge thank you to all the team at Crest Lodge for helping make this happen — it’s been a dream come true.”
Alan Walton-Harrod, Mental Health Specialist Nurse at Crest Lodge, said: “This is the first time ever in my 48 years of psychiatry that two residents or clients have got married, and it’s wonderful and very encouraging. I wish Simon and Tina all the very best for the future.”
Shaleeza Hasham, Head of Hospitality and Communications at CHD Living, added: “We are over the moon that we were able to provide Simon and Tina with their very own fairy-tale wedding.
