A COUPLE who have stuck together in sickness and in health for five decades celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at a surprise party.

Pauline and John Argyle, from Blackbird Leys, had been married for 36 years when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Mr Argyle, 74, no longer has the use of his legs and so Mrs Argyle, 71, has acted as his primary carer since the diagnosis, with qualified carer Teresa Young helping her every morning and evening.

Due to Mr Argyle’s deteriorating condition, Ms Young, of Littlemore, arranged the surprise party to make their 50th wedding anniversary extra special on Saturday.

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She said: “I invited all four of their children and 10 grandchildren to celebrate the day and they were both really surprised to find them in their living room.

“There were a lot of tears and laughter on the day, with everyone reminiscing about the good old days.”

Mrs Argyle said: “I was really overwhelmed when I walked into the room and found them all there.

“It was very emotional but I couldn’t have wished for a better day.”

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Their wedding day

Speaking about her husband, Mrs Argyle said: “His disease has changed everything, but worst of all, it has limited the amount of time I have left with my husband.

“I don’t even know whether he will make it to another wedding anniversary.

“It was horrible to see the man you love change so drastically but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“I vowed to love him in sickness and in health and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

“He has always cared for me so now it’s my turn to care for him.”

The couple first locked eyes in Castle Street, where Mr Argyle worked as a leather merchant.

Mrs Argyle worked in a shoe shop in St Ebbe’s and would visit Mr Argyle for slippers to sell in her shop.

She said: “It was always a good excuse to get out of the shop and to go and see him.”

On May 28 1962, Mr Argyle took Mrs Argyle – then Miss Thomas – to a pub in Abingdon and after courting for 10 months, he popped the question.

Mrs Argyle said: “I could not be without him. He really is the best thing to have ever happened to me.”

They pair were married in a “beautiful” ceremony in St James Church, Cowley on August 14, 1965 before dancing the night away at a reception at St Elm’s Hotel, Iffley.

They then moved to Kestrel Crescent, Blackbird Leys, where they brought up their four children – Darren, 46, Ashley, 44, Nathan, 43 and Claire, 37.

Mr Argyle said he felt “fortunate” to have such a loving family, which includes 10 grandchildren and his ever-supportive wife.

He said: “The secret to a happy marriage is to never keep secrets and to support each other through thick and thin.”