After nearly six decades apart, teenage sweethearts Len Albrighton, 79, and Jeanette Steer, 78, have finally tied the knot. The couple first planned to marry in 1963, but their parents opposed the union, preventing the young lovers from starting their life together. Having met as trainee nurses on the Isle of Wight, they initially intended to move to Australia to build their future.
Back then, the legal age for marriage in the United Kingdom was 21, and 18-year-old Jeanette required her parents’ consent to marry 19-year-old Len. When her parents refused, the wedding was canceled, and the couple went their separate ways for the next six decades.
Despite the separation, Len followed through on his dream of moving to Australia, although he remained unhappy with life in Britain. Over the years, the couple stayed in touch, eventually reuniting and marrying. They now reside in Stevenage, Herts, Australia, and describe their life together as “fantastic.”
In the 1960s, Jeanette’s parents prevented her from marrying Len, who had already relocated to Australia. Heartbroken, Len received a letter from Jeanette, informing him that her parents forbade their marriage and her move to Australia. Consequently, Len was left to make a life for himself in Australia without his intended bride.
During their time apart, both Len and Jeanette built separate lives and families. Len married another woman in Australia and had three children, constructing a house on land he had initially purchased for himself and Jeanette. On the other hand, Jeanette remained on the Isle of Wight, where she grew up. She married a naval officer, had two children, and enjoyed a successful nursing career.
In 2015, Len’s marriage ended, prompting him to seek out Jeanette and travel to the Isle of Wight to find her. Unsure of her reaction or even if he would see her, Len was pleasantly surprised and thrilled with the outcome of his journey. Two years later, following the passing of Jeanette’s husband, Len, and Jeanette finally married, more than half a century after their initial plans.
The couple now revels in their married life. Jeanette expressed her delight, saying, “Married life is fantastic—it couldn’t be better.” She appreciates Len’s respectful treatment and enjoys sharing every aspect of life with him. Their extraordinary love story highlights the resilience of true love, even after decades of separation.
Source: AWM