LOVING couples who want to do something different this Valentine's Day are reaffirming their marriage vows in a special ceremony.

Taking place at Newchurch Parish Church, the service will give those who are still very much in love the opportunity to re-live their wedding day.

Jean and Thomas Brocklehurst are one couple who are eager to take part in the unusual event. Celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary this July, the pair of romantics, of Strawberry Close, Birchwood, thought it an ideal way to start their anniversary celebrations.

"We were going to renew our vows in July, but when I heard about this Valentine's celebration, I spoke to Thomas and we decided to do it. The service is also helping to raise money for a good cause," said Jean.

The 60 year romance blossomed for Jean, 69, and Thomas, 72, when they met on a blind date arranged by army pals in Egypt. Both in service in 1948, their camps neighboured each other and within a year the couple were married.

After moving back to England, the couple finally settled in Warrington in 1956 where Jean took up the position of nurse at Risley Remand Centre, and Thomas began to work for Rylands Whitecross.

Now happily retired, the couple like to spend their time relaxing together. Jean is still sentimental about Valentine's Day and plans to send Thomas a card. "I always send him a card just to tell him I love him. Going on holiday is especially romantic and I enjoy every minute of it," she said.

The couple have two children, Brian and Eileen, and are the proud grandparents to five grandchildren.

And their secret to a happy marriage? "It's all about giving and taking," said Jean.

The Valentine's Day event has been organised by Oakwood resident Suzanne McDonald, to celebrate people's love for each other at the same time as helping to raise £3.5 million for the Merseybeat Appeal.

Suzanne decided to reaffirm her wedding vows because after suffering three cardiac arrests, she doesn't know what each new day will bring.

"I have been married for five years now, and John and I are inseparable. He has been extremely supportive after I suffered the cardiac arrests, and re-dedicating my marriage vows is the best possible present I could give on Valentine's Day," she said.

The couple, of Keyes Close, met on an evening out with friends in Golborne and instantly clicked. Their relationship was cemented after Suzanne followed John out to Greece, where they enjoyed a romantic spur-of-the-moment holiday.

Now Suzanne, 41 and John, a 38-year-old company director, spend as much time as possible together. They were runners up in the Wedding Couple of the year Competition in 1993, organised by the GUARDIAN and De Vere Hotels.

Suzanne's involvement in the Cardiothoracic Centre, Liverpool, where the appeal is based, is constant as she was given a tremendous amount of support after her cardiac ordeal.

The couple have one child, eight-year-old Sam, and Suzanne has two daughters from a previous marriage.

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