LOVE will always defy the years – just ask Exeter couple Tom Reardon and Doreen Mingo. Tom, 83, and Doreen, 69, showed the youngsters the way when they married at the Roman Catholic Church in Heavitree.
More than 250 friends and family turned out for the great day.
Tom has been a widower for four years following the death of his wife, also called Doreen. His new wife, who has been a widow for four years since the death of Ivor, her husband of nearly 40 years, headed off to the Grand Hotel, Torquay for a honeymoon.
Tom, of St Loye's Terrace, Wonford, said: "We are so lucky to have found each other. I have always said you get one chance in life – but now I have been given two." The couple met at the Cruse club held on Monday mornings in South Street for widows and widowers.
Doreen said: "We knew each other through meeting at the Catholic church where my late husband was a server as was Tom's son Owen."
Tom added: "I can't say I know how we met – but I know the reason, we love each other.
"We are both really looking forward to being together – and we both have a sense of humour to keep us happy."
Tom, who prior to living at St Loye's Terrace was in Broadway, St Thomas, was with Devon County Council on school transport for more than 40 years.
Doreen, who lived at East John Walk in Newtown, was an office cleaner.
Tom said: "I always said that once I retired I would never wear a tie again unless it was a really special occasion," he said. "Well this is it."
