With the average Australian marriage lasting just more than 12 years, the 71-year union of Busselton's Henry (95) and Faye (93) White is a rare love story.
Even Faye's declining health which saw her move into Baptistcare's William Carey Court Residential Care in April last year couldn't keep the couple apart - Henry simply moved in two months later.
The devoted pair are now preparing to celebrate their 72nd anniversary in October and are grateful to be sharing their ageing journey together.
Henry first met Faye when he moved to her hometown of Northam after finishing his engineering study in Perth.
Faye was working as a shop assistant at the local Manchester store, which happened to be owned by Henry's uncle and aunt.
It was love at first sight and the pair married in 1949.
Henry and Faye went on to have four children and over the years their family has grown to include six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren.
Faye is now journeying with memory loss and Henry wanted to make sure she was well looked after, which prompted the move to William Carey Court in 2020.
Due to their different care needs, Henry resides in the Brambley wing while Faye lives in the Fairhaven Memory Support Unit.
They spend as much time as possible with each other, chatting, completing crosswords, or taking part in activities.
Baptistcare Residential Care Manager, Dom Trombetta, says Henry and Faye show their love in special ways such as holding hands, kissing each other hello and goodbye or spending treasured time sitting together on the patio outside Henry's room.
"It's wonderful to be able to welcome couples to William Carey Court, particularly when partners may require different levels of care and support.
"Henry's love and dedication for Faye is inspiring and our team enjoys helping them maintain their special connection."
Henry and Faye often have visits from family and there's no doubt many of them will be wishing the couple happy anniversary this October.
