Diamond anniversary joy for devoted Surrey couple living with dementia

A couple celebrating 60 years of marriage were given a day to remember when staff at a Surrey dementia care home transformed their garden into a beautiful wedding setting for a special diamond anniversary blessing.

Vicky and Alfredo de Gallegos celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a Catholic blessing at Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre in Wormley, near Godalming.

Vicky, who has advanced dementia, moved into the home in November 2024. Her husband, Alfredo, visits every day, spending time with her and offering the companionship that has remained at the heart of their marriage.

Earlier this year, Vicky's health became very frail, but after she began to regain strength, Wellbeing Coordinator Karen decided to organise a celebration to mark the milestone.

Working closely with the family, she planned a ceremony that reflected the couple's Catholic faith, Vicky's Spanish heritage and her favourite colour, yellow.

The home's garden was decorated with yellow and cream flowers, rose garlands, a white aisle, confetti, wedding favours and photographs from Vicky and Alfredo's 1966 wedding day.

Father Patrick Okafor, from the Catholic Parish of Haslemere, Hindhead and Chiddingfold, led the blessing in the garden gazebo.

Vicky wore a cream dress chosen by her daughter, Viviana, while 10 family members attended the ceremony, including her brother. Her grandson, Lorenzo, played keyboard before Vicky was escorted down the aisle to Alfredo.

During the blessing, the couple's wedding rings were blessed before Alfredo serenaded his wife. Family members and staff were moved to tears as Vicky tried to sing along.

Afterwards, relatives enjoyed a Spanish-inspired buffet and a wedding-style cake decorated with yellow butterflies.

Vicky's family said: "The staff looked like they were doing the event not as a put-on show, but with genuine feelings of love and affection, as if they were family."

Alfredo added: "My wife Vicky and I want to thank the management and staff of Surrey Heights for helping us celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary in a style befitting celebrities.

"Our daughter, friends and family mentioned the warmth and kindness in which our special day was conducted. It made a memorable and unforgettable day."

Their daughter, Viviana, said: "Every single detail had been thought through with such care. The gazebo and garden were beautifully decorated with gorgeous yellow and white flowers, confetti, wedding favours, a guest book and photographs from my parents' wedding day. It felt incredibly personal and so very special.

"What made the day truly special was the genuine warmth, kindness and care shown by every member of staff. You can truly feel that they do everything from the heart."

Surrey Heights Dementia Care Centre said the celebration reflected its commitment to recognising each resident's individual life story, relationships and family.