A SILVERDALE couple plan to celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary by raising money for Parkinson’s disease.

John and Joyce Jenkinson - who have lived in Silverdale for 28 years - will celebrate their marriage on Saturday with their daughter, Linda, granddaughter, Joanna, friends, family and neighbours.

But rather than receiving gifts for their Blue Sapphire anniversary, the Jenkinson’s are asking friends and family to make a donation to the Parkinson’s Disease Society - a charity that they have supported since Mr Jenkinson developed the disease.

“We’d ask anyone who’s coming along to bring some loose change,” said Mr Jenkinson.

The couple - who are both originally from London - met at dancing lessons in the capital during World War Two.

“We were dancing together and one thing led to another,” said Mr Jenkinson. “Then when I joined the RAF as a field engineer, I was working on the Lancaster bombers and I promised that when I got my wings, we would get married.

“We were both just 19 at the time, though I suppose we were too young really, but I’ve been very lucky all through my life. Lucky and rich in friends.”

After the war, Mr Jenkinson became an insurance broker and Mrs Jenkinson worked for a piano company in London.

The couple moved all over the country for Mr Jenkinson’s work, including Kendal, Leeds, Reading and London.

They finally settled in Silverdale - where they have a close network of friends - in 1981, following Mr Jenkinson’s retirement.

For more information on the Parkinson’s Disease Society, or to make a donation, visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk