THEY lost their daughter, their grandson, coped with major surgery and survived cancer - today Bill and Maud Clithero raised a glass of champagne to the anniversary they never thought they would see.

The devoted couple, who are both recovering from hospital treatment, will welcome friends and family into their house in Heworth for their diamond wedding today.

Mr Clithero, 82, was discharged from York Hospital on Monday, after a scan to check a blood clot in his chest was not connected with the bowel cancer that he has beaten twice.

Back at home, he is helping his wife, who is walking with a stick after recent knee surgery, toast their marriage and celebrate "beating the odds."

Mrs Clithero, 81, said they had suffered greatly after their grandson, Daniel, died in a motorbike accident seven years ago.

The death of their daughter, Christine, who fought against cancer, added to their pain.

"It was a massive blow to us when our daughter died but we got through it together," said Mrs Clithero.

"The secret of a happy marriage is to pull together. Everybody has their ups and downs, but you get through it."

The couple met on a park bench at the end of Melrosegate on New Year's Eve, 1941.

They married at St Hilda's Church and lived in Tang Hall Lane and Muncastergate before settling in Heworth.

They have a son, Brian, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr Clithero said he was proud of their marriage.

"We've had it a bit rough, but we've overcome it," he said.

"There's nothing my wife won't do for me."

Updated: 10:25 Thursday, February 10, 2005