Being Outdoors is good for us, we all know that and mountain air is edifying.
However, for one woman, a mountain climb resulted in meeting her partner and a surprise engagement again up a mountain 5 years later.
The lonely goat who stood high on the hill in 2006 was Dennis Gaspar. Well actually according to Carolyn he really was jumping across a rock as goats do I hear.
She was Carolyn Byrne (known as Ruth) who has worked at the Royal Preston since 1982, and is currently a staff nurse in the ophthalmic department.
She is not sure though if she wore a pale pink coat when they first met.
This outdoors theme continues as the specialist unit where Ruth works is temporarily based outdoors in the car park before its move to a new facility at Chorley.
Dennis although a jeweller by profession, wanted to help out during the Covid-19 pandemic, and got a job as a domestic within the hospital.
One of those heroes who keep the hospital clean and safe for everyone. One of many unsung heroes.
He could have stayed at home but he wanted to help out.
Typical selfless behaviour I am told by his fiancée, who still laughs when the word fiancée is used to describe her.
Both Ruth and Dennis had decided to take part in a charity walk of 130 miles for Galloways, a sight loss charity, to celebrate Carolyn’s 60th birthday.
They set off along the Anglesey coastal path. One of them intent on making the 11 day walk special for them both.
Dennis, 60 whom Ruth refers to as “my soulmate” had decided to pop the question on her birthday:
“It was a total surprise. Dennis had written the words ‘will you marry me?’ in my birthday card which I opened before we set off on our walk for that day. Well to be honest I very nearly missed the words” she laughs.
“Typical I work in the eye deportment and nearly did not see the proposal”
“I enjoy walking and I had a hip replacement last year so I wanted to test my fitness. We had to split the challenge in two as we both work at the hospital and had to work some shifts.
I have raised £580 and am really pleased with the amount as I wasn’t expecting it. Everybody has been so generous.”
We wish the couple well in their new life. The wedding is planned for next year.
By the way, yes, the engagement ring was a nice diamond – well he is a jeweller!
What a duet for a girl and goatherd
Layee odl, layee odl-oo
