A couple had a diamond evening when they raised £600 for charity at their wedding anniversary celebration.

Cambs Times: Pat and Ken Cain, Diamond Wedding.Pat and Ken Cain, Diamond Wedding. (Image: Archant)

Pat and Ken Cain, of West End, March, celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary by holding a party for family and friends at the Conservative Club and raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Mrs Cain said: “We told everybody if they were that enthused about putting their hands in their pockets then we wanted cancer charities to benefit as it is something that has touched our family. I couldn’t believe how much we raised.”

Their daughter Linda added: “Dad made the point that if they looked back over the years we have lost half of our extended family to cancer, some quite young. So it’s a charity close to my parents’ hearts.

“We were all overwhelmed by amazing generosity of the people who came. We didn’t realise we could collect so much money.”

Both Pat, 78, and Ken, 79, are keen boaters and are members of Middle Level Watermen’s Club. They also play bowls at the Braza and were very good swimmers.

They put their successful marriage down to being prepared to give and take.

Mrs Cain said: “Nothing’s easy, but you’ve got to be prepared to work together.”

The pair are originally from London and met at school – both left aged 14. Ken did national service and went on to work at the Daily Express printing presses in Fleet Street, until they were closed.

Pat worked in offices until she had their three children – Linda, who lives in March, Sharon, who lives in Rochford and John, who lives in Benfleet. They also have two grandchildren Daniel and Matthew.

They money has been donated to the Cancer Research charity shop in Fenland Walk.