This is the moment when a couple, who have been married for over 66 years, were reunited after being separated 100 days due to Covid rules.
Octogenarians George and Joyce Bell were admitted to hospital separately due to ill health.
They were eventually able to be discharged and moved into rooms at Tollesby Hall Care Home, Middlesbrough, to recuperate.
Covid restrictions in the home meant that they were separated by flooring and didn’t see one another for 100 days.
After being separated for 100 days due Covid restrictions, George Bell and Joyce, 66 years, were reunited at Tollesby Hall Care Home in Middlesbrough. These photos are heartwarming.
In a heartbreaking moment, Joyce, who had just recovered from a broken hip, was brought downstairs to meet her husband.
The couple are seen embracing and resting on one another in photos shared by the care home via social media.
‘I can’t tell you how nice it was,’ said Joyce. ‘I told him I’d always be there for him, no matter what. He held me tight and said he’d never leave me again for the rest of his life.’
Joyce, now 87, and George, 89, grew up in Middlesbrough and lived next door but one to each other.
George, 89, and Joyce Bell, 87, were admitted to hospital separately due to ill health. Eventually they were well enough to be discharged, and moved into rooms at the Tollesby Hall Care Home in Middlesbrough to recover but were not allowed to stay together
But in a tearjerking moment last week, Joyce, who had recovered from a broken hip was brought downstairs to meet her husband
‘My mum used to call him “The big daft lad on the motorcycle”,’ Joyce said.
‘I admired him from afar.
‘He made everyone call him George, he didn’t like Mr Bell, he didn’t like a fuss.’
George was always playing tricks on people but went out of his way to help anyone he could.
They married 66 years ago when Joyce was 21 and George was 23 at St Cuthbert’s Church on Newport Road, which is no longer there.
When asked about the secret to a long marriage, Joyce said: ‘Let them have their own way and put your foot down, you have to with George.’
After his National Service at the start of their marriage, George was an electrician, an armature winder, which he loved, and he would make life-size models of engines as a hobby.
Joyce said, “I cannot tell you how lovely it was.” “I told him I’d always support him, no matter the circumstances.” He held me tight and said he’d never leave me again for the rest of his life’ Pictured: Tollesby Hall Care Home in Middlesbrough
Joyce was a mobile windowdresser and would travel to all the major towns in the area to set up the displays.
She didn’t want her 65th birthday to be a retirement decision, as she loved the country so much.
George bought Joyce a beautiful diamond ring to commemorate their Ruby wedding anniversary.
Before being admitted to James Cook University Hospital Middlesbrough in June, they lived in Marton in a bungalow.
Joyce stated, “I made him promise to do it.” “I told him that if I end up in a home, he’d be out of my life.”
They are now in the nursing home to recover, and they are both happy with how well they have been looked after.
Joyce is now doing well and is able to go downstairs to see George every day.
Rachel White, activities at Tollesby Hall Care Home said: “With the support of the team here at Tollesby, we were able to reconnect George and his wife again.
‘When Joyce arrived at Tollesby Hall, she told her husband she would be here soon.
“She was so excited, nervous, and couldn’t sleep, she told staff that she felt like a young girl again.”
‘It was very moving when we brought them all together for the first-time, not only for them, but for all the team here in Tollesby who are looking out for them.
“It was such an uplifting moment to be a part and moved many to tears.
‘With the support of the team here at Tollesby we are looking at getting them back in their home where they can return to their life together to carry on their fairy tale.’