Cherry Trees' Paratrooper Team: The couple that did it all

Judith, currently living at Cherry Trees Care Home in Rotherham, has been with husband Keith for an incredible 57 years. Keith spent the majority of his working years as a Paratrooper, but he said he absolutely couldn’t have done it without Judith’s support; they were more like a two-man paratrooping team! Their story is so inspiring that we asked them to share it with us, and what Keith chose to share was a moving story of love and companionship which he dedicates to military wives everywhere.

“Judith and I joined The 4^th Batallion Parachute Regiment (4 Para) in 1973. I say both of us because anyone who has served in H.M forces will tell you that it is a family affair.”

After Keith’s ‘Passing Out’ ceremony, he gained his maroon beret and was allocated to the Defense sector. This ceremony is really special for those in the forces as it signifies their official military graduation! He quickly proved his abilities and gained his wings, which meant travelling to RAF Abingdon and completing 7 jumps. The long process was made easier only by having Judith by his side every step of the way!

Keith commented on Judith’s unfaltering support for him throughout his career, telling us that “People don’t realise how much the wives gave to the regiment – their time, their commitment… everything.”

Keith’s skills went from strength to strength. His first promotion was to the position of Lance Corporal (one stripe) and as time went on, he even ended up in charge of the recruit alongside another sergeant.

“In the time it took me to progress through the ranks and complete my courses, Judith had fully established herself in the 4 Para team. She attended all of our social events, helped document our new recruits and she especially used to enjoy bringing the children along to watch the jumps.”

Later, Keith became Training Sergeant and arranged and introduced different types of training to strengthen the soldiers’ abilities. During this time, Judith provided illustrations to help the team with training and Keith added that she was “quite the artist”. Keith also told us that King Charles passed comment on Judith’s ability on one of his visits as Prince!

Keith told us “I served for 23 years, 111 days and I couldn’t have done a single second of it without Judith.” Judith would always say to Keith ‘You are a part-time civilian and a full-time soldier’ and Keith commented “Well, thanks to her I could be both of those things.”

Judith has been at the marvelous Cherry Trees Care Home since April 2024 and Keith visits her every day – they love to chat, cuddle and engage in lots of the home’s activities. The happy couple told us that the secret to a long-lasting military marriage is to make sure you have friends to share the journey with!

Thanks to the incredible team at Cherry Trees, Judith and Keith continue making special memories together and Judith still has lots of lovely friends… There’s a reason our homes are award-winning! For more information on the Rotherham home, you can contact the team on 01709 550025 or take a look at their landing page here. The home also boasts large communal gardens as well as ensuite bedrooms.