Our sweet VALENTINE

Three women reveal why Valentine’s Day is extra special for them

- GILLIAN HARVEY

‘What better day to show your love?’

Sheelagh Kelly, 62, lives in Bradford with her husband, Mark, 58.

‘Somebody’s asked for your number!’ said my best friend, Anne.

‘Who?’ I asked, already half-knowing the answer.

A couple of weeks earlier in June 2007, I’d got chatting to her nephew, Mark, at a wedding. We’d known of each other for years, but had really hit it off that night.

Our first date was at a local pub the Old White Beare, in Norwood Green, a few weeks later. It was a fabulous night and we just talked and talked. We soon moved in together, but never talked about marriage. We’ve both been married twice – and it never crossed my mind.

Then eight years on, in July 2015, Mark took me by surprise. ‘I’ve booked tickets to see André Rieu,’ he said. I’ve been a fan of the Dutch violinist my entire life, and he’d booked to see him perform in his hometown of Maastricht.

The evening was amazing, but there was more to come. When André left the stage, Mark crouched down in front of me, then he held up an engagement ring. He’d wanted to kneel, but he couldn’t fit between the seats!

I instantly knew I wanted to marry him, too, and we toasted the engagement with champagne given to us by a kind couple in front.