Double celebration for Newark Hospital’s diamond couple

A couple who volunteer at Newark Hospital have double the cause for celebration this week as their diamond wedding falls on the day of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Christopher Benoy, 82, and wife Marie, 81, married 60 years ago today, just ten years into Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

The couple, from Collingham, have been volunteering in the tea bar and the Friends Café at Newark Hospital for the past 15 years — and will mark their big anniversary and Her Majesty's 70-year reign with family and friends over the extended bank holiday weekend.

“We love volunteering at Newark Hospital. The people are great, we really feel like part of the team and they all really look after us," said Mr and Mrs Benoy.

They were quick to share their secret to a happy marriage and said: “Don’t argue, life is too short.”

Community involvement manager at Sherwood Forest Hospitals Tracey Brassington said she was grateful to have the couple on her team.

“Marie and Christopher are a much-loved part of the #TeamSFH family and we’re so grateful to them and all our volunteers for all that they do to help staff and patients across our hospitals," she said.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of the whole of #TeamSFH and the local community in wishing them both a very happy diamond wedding anniversary.”