I had been a member of Outsiders' for about two years. I have Cerebral Palsy . I also have a partial hearing loss, and I was recently diagnosed as partially sighted with Macular Degeneration.
I had written to about twenty lady-members and met two. I was beginning to think that I would spend the rest of my life alone. This was not a prospect that I was looking forward to. Then, one day in September, I wrote to a Mrs. Elsie Hopkinson who lives in Croydon. This was to be the turning point in my life. She wrote back to me and so it began! We wrote to each other on a regular basis; until one day in November, I went down to Croydon (at her invitation) where we fell in love at first sight, at East Croydon railway station. Elsie took me to her home, where she cooked a nice dinner, and we talked.
Because of the distance between us, I lived in Sheffield; it was very difficult to get to know each other on a regular basis. But we persevered. I came down again for Christmas and New Year when I proposed to Elsie, and she graciously accepted. I also met her family and her grandchildren. We all got on very well together; and we still do.
We got married at Croydon Registry Office on 25 March 2003. I have been back to Sheffield a few occasions since primarily to finalise my move down to Croydon and to give up my flat. I love Elsie with all my heart, and will always love her forever. The only sad thing is that my family could not attend. This was due to my father being very seriously ill. He died shortly afterwards. But my mother told me that he was very happy for us as indeed all the members of my family are.
I had been a member of Outsiders' for just a year. I had Bell's Palsy about ten years ago, and it affects the right side of my face whenever I am under stress. I also have Asthma .
I was widowed five-and-a half years ago. I was feeling very lonely, so I joined a few clubs. I met one or two men who were unsuitable. It was suggested that I might like to join Outsiders, so I rang the club and gave them my details over the phone. A number of male members got in touch with me. All were unsuitable. I was just about to give up all hope when all of a sudden, last September, I received a letter with a postmark "DORE-SHEFFIELD" on the envelope. I eagerly opened it, and began to read a most charming letter. I must admit that I had to pinch myself to make sure that it was no dream. I read it over and over again before replying to it. And so began my life, again. We corresponded every week sometimes two or three times a week. I was eagerly awaiting the postman every morning, discarding the rest of the mail until I had read "MY DAVID'S" letter at least four times.
One evening, I rang hint unexpectedly, and I heard the most charming voice. We telephoned and wrote to each other quite often. Then, David suggested wemeet. Because Sheffield is so far away from Croydon, David was going to book into a nearby hotel; but I didn't like that idea! I suggested that David stayed with me. The rest of my story is very much like David described. My three sons accept him, and my grandchildren ADORE him. David and I have the same like and dislikes, and we are very much in love with each other.
THANK YOU, Outsiders, for being there for us. Without you, we would NEVER have met; and we would have been two very lonely people. We don't pretend that everything has been rosy and smooth .No relationship is EVER that. But we persevere in the knowledge that 'Love Conquers All'.
We hope that our story may inspire others not to give up hope, but to persevere even when the going seems to get tough. And when it does, IF it does; there are always wonderful people who are only a telephone call away to offer help and advice, always in confidence. Once again, please accept our heartfelt thanks, and our very best wishes for your future endeavours - David & Elsie