A couple who met as teachers and went on to become fitness fanatics will be celebrating their diamond anniversary this weekend.  

Eddie and Marie Caldwell, who live in Holcombe Brook, will mark 60 years of marriage today, Saturday, March 30, and have received a card of congratulations from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The card reads: “We are so pleased to hear that you are celebrating your diamond wedding anniversary on March 30, 2024.

“This brings you our warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes on this happy occasion.”

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Marie and Eddie met in 1958 in the canteen at All Souls Primary School in Salford where Marie was a teacher and Eddie had just started as a student teacher.

Marie, from Salford, and Eddie, from Romiley in Stockport, married on Easter Monday, March 30 1964 at All Souls Church in Salford when Marie was aged 26 and Eddie was 24.

Both began their careers as teachers in Manchester schools and Eddie went on to work as Manchester's education officer for young mothers and pregnant schoolgirls who had to study at home.

He was also a professional wrestler for 20 years and was known as The Red Devil and then Eddie Rose.

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He was a regular contributor to The Wrestler magazine and would attend matches close to home to fit in with his daytime commitments as a teacher and would travel further afield during school holidays.

He was active in the wrestling scene in the 60s and 70s before retiring in 1984 due to back problems.

Eddie retrained as a remedial massage therapist in the late 80s, and in 1999 they bought The Northern Institute of Massage in Blackpool where he trained.

They moved premises to St Mary’s Place in Bury where it became a family business until selling it in 2018 when they were 81 and 79.

Both took up running and have completed many marathons.

Marie only took up running aged 45, but has competed in marathons and ultra marathons.

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In her 50s she ran 84 miles in 24 hours, and she has run 103.5 miles in a day.

She was named Bury Woman of the Year in 2001 and even celebrated her 80th birthday by running a 10k to raise money for Bury Hospice.

She still runs today aged nearly 87.

They have four children and five grandchildren between the ages of 11 to 17.

Their daughter Rachel Pennington said: “Both are grateful to have reached the milestone and receive a card from the King and Queen.

“They will be celebrating with family, food, wine and lager, watching football, particularly their beloved Manchester City!”