Devoted couple pass away within days of each other

They were married for more than 60 years - but died within days of each other.

Devoted couple Irene and Harry Richardson did everything together during their long and happy marriage.

And next week they will be laid to rest in a joint funeral at the church they were married in.

Mrs Richardson, aged 85, passed away on July 3 at New Cross Hospital, after losing a battle with cancer.

Her husband Harry, who was also 85, died five days later. He had suffered a stroke weeks before and was being cared for at Prestwood House care home in Stourbridge.

Their daughter Tracy Childs, aged 44, said: "When mum died, dad was devastated and obviously couldn't hang on any longer. They were devoted to each other and it was hard for them in the last few months as their health deteriorated."

Their joint funeral will take place on Monday at St Benedict's Church in Wombourne, where they were married in April 1949.

Mrs Richardson was born and raised in the South Staffordshire village, while Mr Richardson grew up in Penn Common. They first met at The Bush pub in the village.

Mr Richardson worked as a self employed lorry driver and served as a gunner in the Navy during the Second World War. His wife stayed at home to look after their children.

They have left behind four children, Tracy, Terry, 59, Carol, 58 and Michael, 52 . There are also 13 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. "They loved going on holidays together," Mrs Childs said.

"They were very family orientated. They loved their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren."

Illness affected their later life, but they never lost their love for each other. Mrs Richardson had beaten breast cancer four years ago but it had returned. Mr Richardson had fought the effects of his stroke, but slipped away quietly after his wife died.

The funeral for the devoted couple, who lived in Wombourne Park, will be held at 2pm.