A GENEROUS couple have donated the money they received in diamond wedding anniversary gifts to a charity close to their hearts.

Jack and Doreen Harrison, of Underwood Road, Ulverston, celebrated 60 years of marriage last week. They received more than £900 from friends and family, but have decided to donate it all to charity.

Mrs Harrison, 82, suffered a stroke eight years ago, leaving her with limited mobility.

Mr Harrison, 81, said: "I manage to get by. It's OK but it gets a bit tiring."

The difficult journey of recovery has been made all the easier thanks to the work of the Furness Stroke Support Group. After receiving a large amount of money as gifts for their anniversary, the couple decided to give to a worthy cause, rather than keep it.

Mr Harrison said: "I had quite a lot of anniversary envelopes full of money. All of that money will be going to the stroke group."

Mr Harrison has also overcome serious health problems after being diagnosed with lung cancer four years ago. He made a recovery after undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Preston Hospital, and after having an operation at Blackpool Hospital.

Mr and Mrs Harrison married on September 22, 1956, and have lived in Ulverston all their lives. They have two sons, Michael and Paul, and are also grandparents to five, and great grandparents to four.

Mr Harrison said: "I'm lucky really, I was a wagon driver. I had a great wife, she was always there for me when I came home."

Last week at Ulverston Sports Club, the Harrisons were surrounded by friends and family as they celebrated their milestone anniversary. More than 100 came to congratulate the Harrisons, with the party not winding down until the early hours.

Mr Harrison is grateful to all the people who made the night special for him and his wife.

He said: "I want to thank the bar staff and the caterers. They are the best in the area."

Mr Harrison also paid tribute to the man who provided the entertainment for the evening.

He added: "We also want to thank John Mario, he's very good. He played for us around 9pm, and didn't stop until midnight."

In total, £945 will be going directly to the stroke support group. It was very important that the money stayed local for the Harrisons, after the care they had received from them.

Around 30 people meet once a month in Dalton to support other people who are adjusting to life after a stroke.

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