MATCH OF THE DAY!
Tangerines fan David proposes to Stoke supporter Christine during teams’ clash
A STOKE City fan is to marry her Blackpool supporting partner – after he proposed at half-time during a match.
Christine Clarke was stunned when David Warburton dropped to one knee and asked her to be his wife.
Christine, from Abbey Hulton, is now having a triple celebration as she toasts her engagement, Stoke’s 1-0 win in the Championship clash and her 53rd birthday.
The couple first met through friends in 2015. Initially, a romantic relationship was not on the cards – but as they spent more time together it eventually grew into love.
Although the couple have been in a long-distance relationship – David lives in Blackpool – he knows Christine is the person he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
The 59-year-old said: “We met by accident in 2015. She was going through a divorce and I was a widow.
“We both met during sad circumstances as friends and then it grew into love. She’s a Stokie girl and I’m a Blackpool guy and we were both at the match.
“My mate does the PA so he went on the pitch and gave me the microphone. I’d got the ring and asked her if she would marry me during half time. I’d been waiting for the right moment and I think the match was that moment. It seemed to be the right thing to do.
“She had no idea I was doing this so I was hoping she would have a good reaction. I’m not sure she liked it with all the people but I’ve said you will never forget the day I proposed to you. Hopefully she will remember this night. I was scared but also very excited. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
David is undergoing radiotherapy treatment for advanced prostate cancer and says Christine has been a huge support.
He added: “She fixed me when I was going through a lot and now I’ve got advanced prostate cancer and have been having treatment for it – she has been looking after me. Hopefully I’ve had radiotherapy and injections so we’ll see how I go.
“She is really pretty and funny, she makes me laugh. We live apart but we meet each other as much as possible.
“She is bubbly, fun and makes me happy. She makes me feel brand new and like I’ve got a new life.
“She is so giving and cares for other people. She looked after my mum when she had cancer and stayed with her for nights, she is a fantastic person.”