A COUPLE who recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary have donated all the money they received to charity.

The invitations to Brian and Gillian Comer’s celebrations of 50 years of marriage read: “We don’t want your presents, just your presence.”

Instead, the couple, from Wroughton, said they would give any proceeds to the Prospect Hospice and guests gave generously, raising £345 for the charity.

Brian, 72, said: “When you get to 50 years married and 70-odd years of age you really don’t need anything.

“I don’t need money or presents at my age. Most of the guests who attended said they thought it was a nice thing to do.

Mr Comer said he and his wife, Gillian, 72, have been together since their schooldays and were still going strong.

He said: ”My wife and I have been together forever. When I left school I joined the Services.

“We are one of those very lucky couples. We have some lovely kids and we have got everything we want in life.”

Mr Comer said he decided to give the money to the Prospect Hospice, which provides respite and end of life care, because of the support he had received when he had cancer of the large intestine last year.

He said recent checks have shown he is now clear, after having half of his large intestine removed.

“I was really positive about the whole thing from the start and thought there’s nothing I can do. I was not a burden on anybody and we just carried on as best we could.”

Debbie Ho, the director of patient services at the Prospect Hospice, said: “Prospect Hospice’s care depends primarily on donations and support from the community it serves, and we appreciate all the support we receive, and we are especially pleased when people whose lives have been touched by our work choose to support us.

“We thank Mr and Mrs Comer for their generosity and send them our congratulations on the very happy occasion of their golden wedding anniversary.”