Joint birthday party held for inseparable couple

Norman and Eileen Cox met in Brighton when Norman was working for a greengrocers in Kemp Town.

Norman was 90 on Thursday and Eileen will be 90 on Monday, so a surprise party was organised by staff at Kingsland House care home, in Kingsland Close, Shoreham, to be held halfway between the two birthdays.

Laura Tee, activities co-ordinator at Kingsland House, said: “What is so special is that they have been together since they were just 14.

“When Eileen moved into Kingsland House, Norman could not bear to be away from his beloved and moved in shortly afterwards so they could stay together always.

“We held a surprise party for them on Tuesday with a singer, some fizz and a cake to help them jointly celebrate this special time.”

Norman used to court Eileen by taking her to skate at Brighton ice rink and they have been inseparable ever since.

Norman was in the Royal Navy during the Second World War and served in the Mediterranean and Russian convoys.

While he was away on duty, he was asked if he was married and when he answered no, he was sent home by his officer on leave to marry Eileen. He even wore his Navy uniform on their wedding day.

Most of their lives have been spent living in Brighton, where they brought up two sons, Norman and Ian.

They now also have grandchildren and great grandchildren living in the local area.

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