Couple quit smoking to get married
09 Mar 10
A couple who saved £1,600 by quitting their 70-a-day smoking habit are set to tie the knot next month in Chesterfield.
Together Maggie Loftus, 49, and Malcolm Page, 55, used to smoke 25,000 cigarettes a year - getting through £5,000 every 12 months.
They were forced to quit after Ms Loftus left her job and they realised their dream of walking down the aisle together could only be fulfilled if they kick the habit and start saving.
By giving up smoking, the couple have already managed to spent £650 on deposits and are still putting aside £15 every week in a special tin.
Ms Loftus, who has been smoking since her family moved to Derbyshire, 33 years ago, said: “We are happy and we want to stay alive. I’m so excited about the wedding.”
They couple, who have been together for two years, are planning to get married in April at the Sandpiper Hotel, in Chesterfield.
Ms Loftus added: "We decided we didn't want to get married in a register office because I've got a large family and we couldn't fit everyone in.
"That was one of the reasons we had to quit - so we could afford a bigger venue. The bottom line is if we start smoking again, there won't be a wedding because we can't afford it - and we deserve to have a nice day."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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