MIKE and Heather Randall were told by a family friend that their marriage would not last for more than five years, but 55 years later and they are still happily married.
The Hillcrest couple celebrated the milestone celebration by spending the day together as they have always done.
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“July 23 is our special day and it’s always just the two of us, every year. We start the day by having a Wimpy breakfast, which has been our tradition except for just one year,” said Heather.
To win Heather’s heart, Mike had to write a letter as she would not talk to any boy in the neighbourhood.
“She just arrived in the area and I vowed to my friends that she was going to speak to me first. She was only turning 15 in two months when we first met and we got married five years later, a day before her birthday,” said Mike.
The couple said their love journey has not been smooth sailing, “we have had bumpy roads but the love we share has pulled us through stronger than ever.”
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“My father was not keen on us getting married and it was hard for my family to let me go as I was the youngest,” said Heather.
Mike said they felt they were ready to get married as he ‘boarded’ in Heather’s house. “Even though we were not sharing the same room, it felt as if we were married, so making it official was just the right thing to do.”
The two eventually tied the knot on July 23 at a Methodist Church in East London.
Heather said it was Mike’s compassion and understanding that she loves most about her husband.
The couple, who do everything today, said trust and forgiveness are important ingredients for a successful relationship.
The Randalls are blessed with three children and three grandchildren.
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