SETTING sail on a sunshine cruise may sound like the perfect break away but for one happily married couple of nearly 50 years who have never been abroad, it will be more than just a holiday.

The loving family of Elaine and Graham Parkhill, from Highworth, are determined to get them aboard a ‘dream’ Mediterranean cruise next March for their Golden wedding anniversary.

Last year Graham was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and suffered a stroke which left him needing a wheelchair and losing much of his independence. Elaine has chronic pain condition fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis.

For a while it looked unlikely the couple, who have only ever travelled as far as Wales, would be able to holiday together abroad and celebrate their March 18 anniversary at sea.

But family and friend have clubbed together to fund the majority of the £2,300 cruise and are now appealing to the public to raise the final £900 with the launch of a fundraising campaign.

Former engineer Graham, 72, said the cruise had given him something to look forward to as he recovered.

“It’s like a dream come true. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, I’ve always wanted to see new places and explore and this is the opportunity do that,” he said.

“Before I was getting depressed because I lost my independence and I couldn’t do the things I enjoyed, like making soap and candles. I was always active. But this has given me a lot to look forward to. It’s made me happy again.”

Elaine, 67, added: “Graham found it hard to adjust to life after his stroke and he wasn’t doing his exercises because he had lost hope. Now it’s given both of us something to look towards and be excited about, after a really tough few years.”

Now they are in good enough health to take the trip they have been dreaming about for years, Elaine and Graham are looking ahead to lavish dinners and beautiful scenery in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Cupid’s arrow struck for the pair in the mid 1960s when Graham cleaned Elaine’s windows in their native Bletchley. Within two weeks they were engaged and one year later they married.

The couple welcomed three children Theresa ,48, Anita, 46 and Robert, 45 and are proud grandparents to Kayleigh, William, Jasmine and George. Kayleigh set up the fundraising page as a gift to her grandparents.

Their daughter Anita Cairns said: “Mum and dad have spent their lives caring for others, they are so close to their grandchildren and committed to one another that this cruise really does mean the world to them.

“This is finally the time they can do it. We will get them there whatever it takes but we have exhausted all options, we just really hope the public will help us get them there.”

To donate to the Parkhill’s cruise visit youcaring.com/elaine-and-graham-parkhill-427562