ROSS & TERRY’S STORY

When Ross and Terry MacCallum tied the knot almost three decades ago, they were young, carefree and head over heels in love. Neither could quite believe they had been lucky enough to meet their perfect match. Today, after the trials and tribulations of raising three children, surviving a devastating breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy and the loss of a much-loved parent, the pair, from Carnoustie, say the bond between them is stronger than ever.

Ross, 54, said:

“I knew very early on in our relationship that Terry was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

When I popped the question 11 months after we met, Terry burst into tears, which I hope were tears of joy.

On our wedding day I remember just feeling so lucky that Terry had become my wife.

We took our vows very seriously and promised to love each other forever, and that is how life has played out.

Our marriage hasn’t all been plain sailing. There have been a few bumps in the road, but nothing that has fazed us.

I think it works because we think alike and generally sing off the same hymn sheet. And we both very much hold by the old adage ‘Treat others as you wish to be treated’.

In any relationship there needs to be give and take, but loving each other has helped us get through a lot.

We don’t say “I love you” every day, but do little things for each other to show we care – and it all adds up.

Terry, 60, said:

“I still remember the calm of the church on our wedding day and knowing that I had never been more certain about what I was doing.

My mum always said you will know when you meet “the one” – and I knew. Even after we moved in together, there were no quarrels. We just know what the other is thinking and feeling. It’s intuitive.

That makes us sound saintly, but it’s not all hearts and flowers either. We deal with things, just not with a shouting match. Ross has such a big heart and generosity of spirit – and he makes me laugh. While bringing up three young children, we were very much united in our approach. And

When Terry was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was a tough time but she coped amazingly and it made us realise just how lucky we are to have each other.

And when my mum was ill with Motor Neurone Disease, Terry cared for her as if she were her own mum. She puts everyone else before herself and that’s one of the reasons I love her so much.

Marriage has made me complete. My wife and children are my purpose.

After 27 years, I love Mrs MacCallum more and more with every passing day.” after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Ross was my rock. After the mastectomy and when I’d lost my breast and my hair from chemo – the things that made me feel like a woman – Ross held me and told me he loved me even more.

The heady first days of love have been replaced by a deep and fulfilling love. We’re a good team.

We have never been bogged down with the petty stuff. In the grand scale of things they aren’t important.

What matters is taking care of each other and I think we’ve got that down to a T.”