A HUSBAND who lost both his legs to diabetes is celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary and says he wouldn't change his wife "for the world".
Ray Burgess, 82, met Eileen Burgess, 79, more than 60 years ago at work in Purley Way and the couple have made New Addington their home for more than 50 years.
Mr Burgess said his future wife had caught his eye from the first moment they met but that she was the one who made the first move.
He said: "Well, I fancied her and one day I said to her, I'll take you out if you buy me some oranges. I just liked oranges at the time. She brought some in and the rest was history."
The couple married at Croydon Parish Church in 1954 before going on to have three children, Ian, 57, Julie, 52, and Dawn, 39.
Mr Burgess worked on the buses for 30 years and as a cashier clerk at Sainsbury's during his career. But he was struck down with type A diabetes 27 years ago, eventually forcing him to have his legs amputated in 2001.
His wife now looks after him at their home in Shaxton Crescent, where they have lived for more than 20 years.
Mr Burgess added: "She does everything for me, she's brilliant. I'm strong and I try not to let things get me down but she helps me with everything I'm not able to do.
"I wouldn't change her for the world."
The couple also have six granddaughters, who will be joining them for a big celebration in Shirley to mark their diamond anniversary in September.
And the couple both say New Addington has been a great place for them to bring up a family and spend their retirement.
"I love it here, I go out with my dog on my scooter down Central Parade and people always talk to me," Mr Burgess added.
"They are fantastic and I think they are brilliant."
Mrs Burgess, who said she would enjoy a glass of Pimm's to mark the occasion, said her husband had always been a good provider.
She said: "He's always been there and been a good husband. And we have enjoyed ourselves which I think is important."
