Couples prepare to spread love at mass celebration

Richard and Karin Burke are one of 79 couples taking part in the event at Coventry Cathedral

Valentine's Day will be a particularly special occasion for 79 couples this year who are getting ready to reaffirm their love for each other in a BBC-hosted event at Coventry Cathedral.

The celebration, organised by BBC Radio CWR, will see them simultaneously redeclare their commitment to each other on Friday.

Each of the couples have their own unique love stories and their own motivations for taking part in the occasion and here are some of them:

Michelle and Adam Bird

Michelle and Adam had an unconventional start to their love story, first meeting at a bus stop as school children.

When she was 16, Michelle said she decided to ask her future husband to marry her, despite the pair never dating.

This year marked their 30th year of marriage and the couple are looking to reaffirm their love in these special circumstances after a dream trip to Hawaii, five years ago, was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Richard and Karin Burke

Richard and Karin first went on a blind date more than 20 years ago in a Coventry nightclub after a Gavin and Stacey-style meet over the phone at work.

But all did not go to plan as Richard had told Karin he looked like the presenter and actor Richard Blackwood.

She misheard and so said she was surprised when they met as she thought her future husband said Richard Bacon - and she was looking for a lookalike to the broadcaster.

After almost separating a year ago, they have decided Friday is the time to show their commitment to their love.

Angela and Chris Egan

Angela and Chris Egan got married on HMS Warrior in December 2001

Angela and Chris, from Mancetter, will affirm their commitment to each other after he reproposed to her- with a Haribo ring.

The couple of 25 years got married on HMS Warrior in December 2001 which docked in the USA.

Their wedding was followed by a private blessing in the New York district of the Bronx while on honeymoon.

Gloria and James Davies

Gloria and James Davies got married 50 years ago last August after meeting at the Court Ballroom Dancing School in Coventry.

The pair have travelled all over the world, living in Alexandria and Cairo in Egypt as well as Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

They said they wanted to mark their golden wedding anniversary by celebrating their marriage at Coventry Cathedral.

Kirsty and Donovan Shears

Kirsty and Donovan Shears met completely by chance in 1998.

Donovan, who had been given his first mobile phone for his 18th birthday, sent random texts to a few made-up numbers.

Out of several messages to the unknown numbers which he made from the Coventry pub where he was working that night, Kirsty in Cleethorpes was the only one to reply.

"That single moment led to over 20 years of love, laughter, and partnership," Kirsty said.

Donovan said they are looking forward to celebrating their love as a family on Valentine's Day.

You can hear full coverage of this special event on BBC Radio CWR from 06:00 GMT on Friday as well as coverage online on the BBC website and BBC Midlands Today.