When Martin Stephenson read a newspaper article about a talented athlete travelling the world to compete for Great Britain, he knew she was the girl for him.  

Two years later in 1969 they met through a mutual friend and the young couple were married on October 28, 1972 at All Saints Church, in Hartford. 

Fifty years on, Martin, and his wife Sheila, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a party at Brampton Park Golf Club surrounded by family and friends.  

He said: “Sheila had won a silver medal in the World Student Games in Tokyo in 1967, and there was a photograph of her with the article.  

“Even though I’d never met her before, I knew right then she was the girl I was going to marry.” 

The couple, of Great Stukeley, have been keen sports people throughout their lives.  

Sheila held the British record in the 200m hurdles when she was competing.  

As well travelling to Japan, in 1971 she also represented Great Britain in the European Games which were held in Helsinki.  

Meanwhile, Martin was a keen cricketer and footballer. He played cricket for Cambridgeshire for 21 seasons between 1972 and 1992.  

Sheila decided to retire from athletics at the age of 25, and Martin was able to focus on cricket.  

They both still follow the progress of Cambridgeshire County Cricket Club.  

She said: “I think because we both have a passion for sport, we both understand the dedication and commitment needed to be successful.  

“The training, the preparation, the discipline is very important. Only someone who is, or has been, an athlete will ever appreciate that. 

“I supported Martin with his sporting achievements, and he supported me with mine.  

“I’ve run the London marathon, climbed Kilimanjaro and trekked in Nepal – and Martin helped me prepare for all of those events.”  

Sheila was a teacher at St Peter’s School, in Huntingdon, and Martin worked with the family business at Stukeley Road Nurseries.  

They went on to have three children: Claire, Richard and Katie. Their grandchildren are William and Kasper.  

Sheila also celebrated her 75th birthday this year.  

Martin added: “Sheila and I are very well suited and always there for each other. We also enjoy each other’s company.  

“When we told my father we wanted to get married, he laughed and said: ‘Now there’s a surprise...’ 

“I guess everyone else knew we were well suited too.”  

Are you and your other half celebrating a milestone? Email louise.hepburn@newsquest.co.uk.