Couple split by parents at 16, marry 34 yrs later

London: They were lovesick 16-year-olds who got engaged against their families’ wishes and were forced to split up. Now 34 years after they first got together Gary Matthew and Dee Mair have found each other again – and finally married.

Just as he did in 1975, Gary asked Dee’s father for permission. And this time the answer was yes. “He agreed we were finally old enough,” said Gary.

Dee Mair and Gary Matthew got married last week in Weybridge, Surrey, not far from the school in Woking where they used to hold hands at the back of the class

The couple, now both 50 and grandparents, got back in touch in August last year after Dee left a message on the Friends Reunited Web site looking for former schoolmates. Gary saw it and replied, “Is that the only woman I ever really loved?”

They arranged to meet in a bar but did not recognise each other until he called Dee’s mobile and discovered she was sitting near him. Gary said: “It was like all the years were swept away. We hugged and laughed and shed a couple of tears. It was as if we’d never been apart. I told myself right then, there was no way I would ever let this beautiful woman slip away again.”

Dee Mair and Gary Matthew got married last week in Weybridge, Surrey, not far from the school in Woking where they used to hold hands at the back of the class

The couple finally married last week in Weybridge, Surrey, not far from Sir Winston Churchill school in Woking, where they used to hold hands at the back of the classroom.

Dee said: “Back then, we were absolutely certain we wanted to marry. Gary asked my dad if he would give his consent. Dad’s answer was ‘no’. I’m not surprised now, but at the time we were heartbroken.” Soon afterwards, Gary and his family moved away and the couple lost touch.

They both married then divorced, and each had two sons. Dee named her first child Gary. And Gary – who joined the Army and travelled – would visit their old neighbourhood hoping to catch a glimpse of Dee. Years passed but they never forgot each other.