Video shows former soldier dancing with wife a year after he was told he had six months to live

A former soldier who was told he had only six months to live has been filmed dancing with his wife almost a year later in a heart-warming video.

Eddie Robinson, 88, was filmed by staff at St Christopher’s Hospice in Lawrie Park Road, Penge, surprising his wife of 65 years, Rita Robinson, 86.

The father-of-three stood on a mobility aid while a nurse steered him through the dance and a member of staff played piano.

Mrs Robinson said: “It was really emotional, Eddie even bought me flowers.”

In the days before he surprised his wife, Eddie practiced his moves with deputy ward manager Leonor Pacheco, to the music of Matt Monro — his favourite singer.

The couple’s daughter, Laraine Dickson, said: “It was such a great day, to see them dance made me so happy. 

“When dad smiled I saw the dad we know and love again.”

Eddie and Rita Robinson dancing together with the help of hospice staff (Picture: St Christopher’s Hospice)

Mr Robinson initially went into the hospice for some respite for his wife and daughter who were caring for him full-time. 

But his condition worsened when he returned home and it started to take a toll on Mrs Robinson’s health.

Mrs Robinson said: “They rushed me to hospital.

“It was heart failure. I couldn’t take care of him anymore. It was such hard work. 

“It was too much for me.”

Since Mr Robison has been at the hospice the family said they have had “lots of happy memories”.

Ms Dickson said: “When you say hospice you think ‘oh gosh’, but it’s the complete opposite.

“Nothing is too much trouble. It’s helped me and mum relax.”

Mr Robinson was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2022 and was given the six-month diagnosis in August of that year.

He will soon be discharged from the hospice into a care home which the family have picked out.

A member of the Royal Fusiliers regiment, Eddie married Rita in 1958 after having served in the Korean War.

The couple have three children and six grandchildren.

Amanda Mayo, care director at St Christopher’s Hospice, said: “We’re so proud of our staff and volunteers who, every day, go above and beyond to create moments that matter for patients and their friends and families.

“We can only support families like Eddie’s thanks to the generous support of our community, whose fundraising efforts help people to go on making memories at the end of life.”

Pictured top: Eddie and Rita Robinson holding hands as they dance together (Picture: St Christopher’s Hospice)