Oct 28, 2021

Elderly couple reunited after 100 days apart due to COVID protocols

After 66 years of marriage, George Bell, 89, and his beloved wife Joyce Bell, 87, were admitted to hospital separately in July due to ill health.

After more than three months apart, both seniors would eventually be moved to the Tollesby Hall Care Home in the English town of Middlesborough.

Joyce Bell was the first to arrive at the nursing home after being released from hospital following surgery for a broken hip.

Joyce’s husband, George, did not arrive at the home on the same day, but the staff at the home revealed that she was eagerly awaiting his return.

Last week, after 100 days spent apart from one another, an emotional Joyce Bell was wheeled downstairs to once again be reunited with her husband.

Joyce being wheeled down to her husband's room to be reunited.

“It was very emotional when we brought them together for the first time, not just for them but for all the team here at Tollesby who are looking after them,” said Ms White.

“It was such a heartwarming moment to be a part of and moved many of us to tears.”

Images of the couple’s first embrace since being apart have gone viral after appearing on the nursing home’s social media pages – and it’s certainly not hard to see why.

“I can’t tell you how nice it was,” said Joyce.

“I told him I’d always be there for him, no matter what. He held me tight and said he’d never leave me again for the rest of his life.”

Joyce also told local reporters about a promise that she made to her husband when the pair were living in their bungalow in the suburb of Martin.

“I made him make me a promise,” Joyce said.

“I told him if he ends up going into a home, that I’m not going into one,” she said.

Despite Joyce’s reservations, the pair have embraced their new home and are very pleased with how they are being looked after by staff.

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