A HUSBAND and wife separated by lockdown finally got to see each other today – to celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Hilary and Terry Case, both 82, from Oxford, have been married 60 years but couldn’t mark the big day because Hilary was in a local care home and unable to see visitors.

But with the easing of lockdown measures the couple were finally reunited today for the big occasion.

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The emotional reunion took place in the gardens of Chawley Grove care home, on Cumnor Hill, where Mrs Case is a resident.

Mr and Mrs Case first met at a friend’s wedding back in 1958 and it was love at first sight.

He caught her eye as he was the best man to the groom and looked very ‘dashing’ in his RAF uniform.

Mr Case was sent overseas, but on his return they married on June 18, 1960.

Oxford Mail:

Speaking today Mrs Case said: “It’s wonderful to see Terry again.

"I really didn’t like to be apart from him, so to celebrate our anniversary together like this is just fantastic.”

Mr Case said he was glad the wait was finally over and he was ‘over the moon’ to see the love of his life again.

He said: “It’s been so hard and worrying not to be together. Nobody knew what would happen at the start of lockdown and I just wanted Hilary to be safe.

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“The home and all the staff were fantastic and I’ve been able to see Hilary on video calls but there’s nothing like seeing her in person, it’s been wonderful.

“I’ve loved Hilary for 60 years, and I will love her forever more.”

The reunion was one of the first at the luxury home since visits were suspended at the beginning of March to shield the residents from the coronavirus.

The early lockdown was a success and there have been no reported cases at the home.

The carefully controlled visit took place in a bunting-draped awning in the garden of the care home with a two-metre spacing between chairs.

Oxford Mail:

Home manager Theresa Whitford said she was delighted that the beloved couple could celebrate safely together.

She said: “It’s wonderful that Hilary and Terry could be reunited like this.

"I know it’s been hard for them to be separated, as it has been for all our families, and I hope this is the first of many visits for the couple.

"Keeping residents safe and well is our number one priority, but now that the virus is in retreat and we have a safe way to host people, we want to make sure all our residents can see their families as much as possible."

The couple enjoyed a celebratory cake and some champagne to toast their milestone.