Elderly Aldington couple reunited in a Whitstable care home after year apart
11:09, 06 February 2021
updated: 18:48, 08 February 2021
A couple in their 80s had an emotional reunion after being apart for a year due to Covid restrictions.
Ronald and Janet Gillard have been married for 60 years, and before the pandemic were living together at a house in Aldington near Ashford.
The heartwarming moment the couple are reunited after COVID restrictions keep them apart
Last February, 87-year-old Ronald moved into St Martins Care Home in Whitstable as his dementia got worse and Janet, 83, could no longer look after him by herself.
Then Covid hit, and Janet was unable to see him face-to-face.
Ronald asked every day if he could see her, and the family feared he never would when he tested positive for Covid-19 over Christmas.
But he made it through the illness and yesterday, Janet was transferred from the William Harvey Hospital to the same care home as her loving husband.
A heartwarming reunion between the two followed, and was caught on film by staff.
One of their three children, Jenny Kent, said: "It was beautiful to watch, I burst into tears because it's been quite a fight to get them reunited.
"There were lots of hurdles to overcome - my mum's been in and out of the hospital and it's very unusual to have a wife and husband in the same home - but we're overjoyed it's ended so happily.
"Watching it, we thought we'd share it to spread some positivity during these trying times for everyone."
The 58-year-old said the reunion wouldn't have happened without the help of her sister, Sue Brown, who lives near Goudhurst.
She also praised the staff at St Martins, for the video and also for their ongoing support.
Jenny said: "We were fortunate to be able to look around homes before the pandemic, and what makes St Martins so special is the staff.
"They are absolutely amazing and go over and above to make residents happy and give us regular updates.
"We want to say a massive thank you for everything."
The pair have since been in touch with Jenny and their two other children - Sue and Robert Gillard - via videocall, and are both doing well.
The siblings also hope to be reunited properly with their parents soon, however Robert will have a slightly longer trip as he lives in New Zealand.
It is hoped Jenny's upcoming wedding, postponed from last year, will be that opportunity when it does take place.
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