A DEVOTED couple who were happily married for more than 60 years have died within days of each other.

Teresa Lavin met her husband, Valentine, in 1947 when he moved to Darlington from County Mayo, in Ireland, and the pair were inseparable ever after.

After battling cancer for more than two years, Mr Lavin, who was born on Valentine’s Day, died at their home on May 1. His heartbroken wife died on May 12 after a short fight against lung cancer.

Both were in their 80s.

Their daughter, Marie Nevison, said yesterday: “As soon as dad saw my mum, he said, ‘I’m going to marry her,’ and that was that.

“They were absolutely devoted to each other and would do anything for anyone. If they saw a beggar in the street, they would have invited them in for a cup of tea.”

After Mr Lavin was diagnosed with cancer more than two years ago, his wife never left his side and cared for him around the clock, until she also discovered she had terminal cancer.

Shortly before Mrs Lavin’s diagnosis, the couple’s home in the Greenbank Road area of Darlington was broken into.

Ms Nevison said: “That really finished mum. It made her a bag of nerves and really shook her up.

“She struggled to care for both her and dad and told him when he goes, she would go too.”

They leave six children and ten grandchildren.

Neighbour and close friend Muriel Joy described them as the perfect couple. She said: “We had been friends for 13 years and had some brilliant times together – I miss them terribly. They always said they wanted to go together, and they have.

“At least we can take some comfort knowing that they will never have to be apart again.”

A joint funeral service will be held in St Thomas Aquinas Church at 12.30pm tomorrow.

The family are collecting on behalf of St Teresa’s Hospice and Cancer Research UK.