Janet and Phil’s love story began in the simplest and most charming of ways before becoming residents at Rose House, part of the Runwood Homes group.
Phil was employed at British Steel, while Janet worked at the Employment Service. As they travelled together each day, their regular conversations and shared routines soon led to a growing connection.
The couple were married on 2nd February 1963 at Creswell Church near Worksop. Their wedding day was marked by deep winter snowfall, so deep that Janet’s brothers had to dig a pathway to the church. It was a fitting beginning for a partnership defined by resilience.
Janet and Phil made their home in Chesterfield for 15 years, building a strong and loving marriage. They stood by one another through studies, careers, and the many small, everyday moments. During this time, they welcomed their daughter, Helen, whose arrival brought joy and further strengthened their bond.
A shared love of travel and adventure led them to create many treasured memories together. From favourite destinations closer to home to a memorable coast-to-coast journey across Canada, Janet and Phil embraced every experience side by side, always happiest in each other’s company.
Work later took them to Nottingham, where they continued to build their life together until retirement. In 1999, they moved to Doncaster to be closer to the family they cherished, and later made their home at Rose House care home.
This heartwarming story is being shared as part of Runwood Homes’ company-wide initiative, Valentine’s Takeover at Runwood Homes — a special week dedicated to celebrating love in all its forms, from friendship and companionship to kindness and care across Runwood Homes communities.
Throughout their lives, Janet and Phil’s story has been defined by love, loyalty, and unwavering support. Their enduring partnership — built on kindness, shared laughter, and deep devotion — stands as a beautiful testament to a lifetime spent together.
