Haslingden couple show it's never too late for love (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Haslingden couple show it's never too late for love

1:28pm Wednesday 14th July 2010 in

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Can there really be love second time around? When Pat Cheetham’s husband of 39 years died, she thought she would never feel happiness again. But a blind date changed all that...

The first time I met Selwyn I knew that he was the one, we just clicked,” said Pat Cheetham.

Today Pat is a happy newlywed but this time four years ago the 62-year-old’s life was turned upside down when her first husband of 39 years, John, died.

In 2000 Pat and John, of Haslingden received the devastating news that John had prostate cancer and after a five-year battle he was told nothing more could be done for him.

“At first I didn’t want to look for anyone else,” the mother-of-two said sadly. “But at the same time I thought that I didn’t want to be alone for the rest of my life.

“But I didn’t know how to meet someone. Most people my age are married with children and grandchildren and the idea of going out on a date was very daunting after being with John for most of my life.”

After three years on her own, the retired secretary’s family decided to give her something to smile about again — and got her back on the dating scene.

“My daughter Paula and I were shopping online for some clothes last summer, in preparation for the Southport Flower Show, when we came across a dating website for the over 50s,” she recalled.

“Paula encouraged me to give it a try and that’s how I met Selwyn,” said Pat, who has recently moved to Halifax to be with her new husband.

“I was a bit dubious about dating websites, you hear all sorts of horror stories but I suppose there are also lots of people like myself who have been widowed and want a chance to meet someone else,” she said.

“After getting to know one another a little over the phone we decided to take the plunge and arranged to meet up for a date.

“We went to St Catherine’s Hospice annual Symphony concert at Hoghton Tower last year and things just blossomed from there.

"He met my family that day, and we just seemed to click instantly.

“He was the first person who really caught my eye, and I wasn’t disappointed when I saw him in person. It proves you can find love whatever your age or your circumstances,” she said.

Retired fire officer Selwyn, 61 proposed in January and the couple married the following month before jetting off to Dublin for a Valentine’s honeymoon.

“We had already booked a romantic trip for Valentine’s Day to Dublin so when Selwyn asked me to marry him we decided to not waste any time and use the holiday as our honeymoon,” Pat said.

“It was fantastic, and all my family are happy that I’ve been lucky enough to be able to find love again.”

Now the couple are enjoying retirement together, spending their time gardening, camping and travelling abroad.

Pat returned with Selwyn to the classical concert at Hoghton Tower earlier this month to mark the anniversary of the date that changed their lives.

She added: “I think it proves that there can be life and love after death.”