Couple's golden gift to charity (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Couple's golden gift to charity

FRIENDS of a Fairford couple celebrating their golden wedding anniversary raised £800 for the British Heart Foundation last Saturday.

John and Mary Sawyer celebrated their anniversary at the Corinium Museum with 80 friends and relatives.

But instead of bringing presents partygoers gave money to charity and the couple have sent their warmest thanks.

Both John, 71, and one of the couple's daughters have had serious heart surgery in the past, so the charity was not hard to choose.

Mary, 70, said: "After 50 years of marriage there isn't an awful lot you need in the house, so it made sense to ask for cheques.

"My husband had a bypass done about ten years ago and my daughter Debbie had to have open-heart surgery four years ago. It was a fantastic response and we would like to thank all our guests for their generosity."

The Fairford couple have another daughter Philippa, who did the catering for the party, and two grandchildren, Eve and Jess, daughters of Nigel and Debbie.

Mary said the Corinium Museum was the perfect setting for the party and thought more people should use the venue.

And the secret to their marital success: "I think marriage is something you work at 24 hours a day. You need a good temper and a good sense of humour," she said.