Retired woman ticks off bucket list goal by going on date with man 30 years older

The elderly couple were given scarves, hats and VIP treatment at the Hastings United match

Paula Rincon
Wednesday 11 April 2018 11:40 BST
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A 68-year-old woman was taken on a bucket list 'date' by a man almost 30 years her senior.

Lynn Walters had never watched a football match, so when 96-year-old Gordon Mills invited her to watch the Hastings United play she did not hesitate.

The elderly pair met in North Street Care Home in Maidstone, Kent. Lynn moved into the retirement home when Gordon already lived there and the pair soon got along.

Whilst it was Lynn's first time inside a stadium, sports fanatic Gordon never used to miss a fixture until his health impeded him to do so.

Pensioner Lynn said she revelled in the thrill of the match which saw Hastings United crush bitter local rivals Walton Casuals 1-0.

Care assistant Gill Cameron accompanied Lynn and Gordon on their date. She said the pair had a wonderful day.

Lynn was even offered a half-time pie by Gordon.

Lynn hopes to cross every item in her bucket list
Lynn hopes to cross every item in her bucket list

They were flooded with gifts during Hastings’ 1-0 home win, being given official scarves, hats and VIP treatment.

Lynn announced that Hastings United now have a new supporter. She said: “I was a Liverpool fan because I come from there but I’ve never been to a football match.”

Her young spirit shone throughout the match, jumping and cheering every time the team scored.

"When I came into the care home I had a bucket list of what I wanted to do," she said. "At the top of that list was going to a football match.”

Lynn's bucket list includes parachute jump and bungee jumping
Lynn's bucket list includes parachute jump and bungee jumping

Lynn said her experience was invigorating and is looking forward to crossing off the rest of her bucket list.

But watching the football match was only the beginning of a new life for Lynn. It's never too late for a 'first time', and adventurous Lynn has compiled some riskier items on her list, including a parachute jump, hot air balloon ride and bungee jump.

Maybe Gordon will join her in ticking off the rest of her bucket list too.

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