A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL couple marked 60 years of married life with a selfless event “to give something back”.

Rather than asking for anniversary gifts, Frank and Kathleen Shakeshaft requested that family and friends donate to a cause close to their hearts.

Three years ago, Mr Shakeshaft, aged 79, was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and is currently receiving treatment at The Christie and Royal Bolton Hospital.

In response to the “tremendous” support the couple has received from Macmillan, they organised a diamond wedding celebration to raise money for the charity.

Mr Shakeshaft said: “Macmillan have done tremendously for me and have supported my wife, so we thought of a way to show our appreciation for all of the help we have had.

“We did not want gifts. We asked for money to give to Macmillan and I am assured it will go specifically to the team in Bolton.”

About 150 guests turned out to the diamond celebration at Little Lever Conservative Club on June 16 — three days after the couple’s wedding anniversary — helping to raise £450 for the cause.

The couple first set eyes on each other while skating with friends at the former Nevada RollerRink in Bolton when they were in their mid-teens. They hit it off immediately, with their shared enjoyment of music resulting in many an evening dancing together at Bolton’s rock ‘n’ roll clubs, namely at Billy Baker’s in Bradshawgate.

They tied the knot at St Gregory’s Church in Farnworth and spent their early years of marriage in Farnworth and Kearsley, before moving to Radcliffe.

They have three children, Rosemarie, Diane and Joseph.

When asked their secret to happiness, Mr Shakeshaft said: “I saw this message once and it has stuck with me. Love is not about gazing into each other’s eyes but looking together in the same direction.”