Childhood sweethearts Paul and Dawn Molineux recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with an unforgettable surprise at Hickory’s Smokehouse restaurant in Southport, UK. The couple, who met on a blind date as teenagers, were hoping to make the most of their milestone anniversary, despite Paul’s terminal cancer diagnosis. Little did they know that the restaurant staff had a touching gesture in store for them.
Paul and Dawn enjoyed a delicious meal worth over £80 at Hickory’s Smokehouse, and when it came time to pay, they were stunned to find that their bill had been reduced to £0. To make the surprise even more special, the receipt included a heartfelt message: Happy anniversary! The bill is on us x. Overwhelmed by this unexpected act of kindness, the couple couldn’t believe their eyes.
Deputy general manager James Davies had taken an interest in the couple’s anniversary and their journey. During their conversation, Paul shared his cancer diagnosis, which he received earlier this year. When asked about the surprise gesture, Paul said, We just couldn’t believe it. The bill was £80. We found the guy, and we said, ‘You are joking, aren’t you?’ He said, ‘No, no, I was very touched by what you said. I’ve got the discretion, and I was so touched by it and everything.’
The emotional moment left Paul’s wife, Dawn, in tears. They now consider James a lifelong friend and have even invited him to their upcoming anniversary bash. The couple met when they were just teenagers and got married two years later. They describe each other as soulmates and have enjoyed a loving and supportive relationship throughout their marriage.
Unfortunately, Paul’s battle with cancer has taken a toll on their lives. After being clear for 18 months, he received the devastating news that the cancer had spread and was now inoperable. Given the choice between chemotherapy and a limited life expectancy or no treatment with only six months to live, Paul opted for chemotherapy to make the most of the time he has left with Dawn.
Paul and Dawn’s story caught the attention of many when he shared a review of their anniversary meal, excluding any mention of the surprise bill or his cancer diagnosis. Jeff Cavanagh, the administrator of the Facebook group Southport Food Reviews, reached out to Paul and asked if he could share their story. The response has been overwhelming, with hundreds of supportive comments and well wishes pouring in.
Hickory’s Smokehouse expressed their delight in hosting Dawn and Paul for their special day, calling them a wonderful couple. The team wished them all the best for their future.
Dawn and Paul’s touching anniversary celebration, made even more memorable by the kindness of the restaurant staff, serves as a reminder to cherish every moment and make the most of the time we have. Their love and resilience in the face of adversity inspire us all to appreciate the joy and beauty in life’s simplest gestures.
