True love conquers all at Ashlea Mews Care Home

Sheila and Gordon Akeroyd have spent 54 years creating a wonderful life together as husband and wife, and after making the decision to move to Ashlea Mews Care Home as a couple, they’re continuing to enjoy precious quality time together thanks to the help of our South Shields team. We spoke to the couple about their next chapter and why they love their new life at Ashlea Mews!

True love doesn’t happen for everyone, but for Sheila and Gordon, they were lucky enough to find each other in unlikely circumstances. “Gordon was a lodger at my great, great auntie’s house” said Sheila, who is now 95 years old. “I just so happened to pop over for tea one day, and there he was – he was so handsome!”

Gordon admits he wasn’t looking for love at the time, but couldn’t stop thinking about Sheila. “I remember seeing her for the first time; she was beautiful, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I wasn’t really looking for a relationship, but that’s how I knew it was right – it felt like fate.”

After meeting, the pair quickly fell in love and wed in 1970. Sheila recalls her simple yet elegant wedding day: “The day was perfect for us. We didn’t want anything fancy, so we had a small wedding with our nearest and dearest. I had a two piece cream suit and we didn’t even have a first dance – we both have two left feet!”

Now living together at Ashlea Mews Care Home, Home Manager, Vicki, told us how they’ve adapted the couple’s living arrangements to reflect their relationship. “Sheila and Gordon share a room together as supporting their bond is a key part of their care plan. We’ve changed the second room to become a private lounge for them, complete with everything they need to relax and unwind.”  

Part of the Orchard Care Homes group, our South Shields care home has a strong emphasis on person-centred care, which Vicki believes has helped Sheila and Gordon feel happy in their new surroundings. “Our approach to care is based on the individual’s physical, medical and emotional needs. In the case of the Akeroyds, they’ve been inseparable for 54 years and are emotionally dependent on each other, so it makes sense for them to stay in the same room. They’re much happier when they’re together!”

The pair came to Ashlea Mews together in April 2024, and have praised the team for treating them like ‘king and queen’. Sheila, who jokingly admits she ‘forced’ Gordon to ask her out on their first date, was particularly impressed by the team’s willingness to adapt their bedrooms. “We’re so happy to still be living together and that we can be in the same room. We still go to sleep holding hands, and I couldn’t imagine going to sleep without my husband by my side!”

The couple will be celebrating their first Valentine’s in the home together in 2025, and although months away, the Ashlea Mews team are already planning the day. “We’re excited to be able to share this special occasion with Sheila and Gordon. It’ll be their 55^th Valentine’s together, so we’ll be going all out for it.”

Sheila and Gordon’s romantic story is a great reminder of how true love never fades, and with perseverance and a bit of determination, you really can live happily ever after. Thank you to the happy couple for sharing their story, and a special thank you to the Ashlea Mews team for their continued dedication to providing exceptional care!

Are you looking for a friendly, welcoming care home for your loved one? Rated ‘Good’ by CQC, Ashlea Mews Care Home offers residential care, residential dementia care and short-term respite care in the South Shields region. To find out more, hit the button below or call the team on 0191 455 9051 today!