Love grows in the most unusual places and romance can blossom under the most unlikely of circumstances.

For one elderly Ammanford couple, not one but two brushes with death have ensured their lives will be forever linked and they plan to spend the rest of their days together.

Love struck 69-year-old Michael Green has been brought back from the brink of death by his 61-year-old fiancé Jane Rose twice this year.

Following Michael’s first near-death experience the couple decided to tie the knot – after his second they agreed that rather than receiving presents they would ask for contributions towards the purchase of a defibrillator ahead of the March 16 wedding.

They are hoping a defibrillator installed in their home will not only give them joy of long wedded bliss but also serve others at the Extra Care Home, Ty Dyffryn, Ammanford.

“It was a no-brainer,” said Jane. “Help us raise the funds for a defibrillator.”

Within days they had £500 towards the anticipated £1,000 cost.

Jane said: “We have both had great careers and eventful lives and have all we need.

“Michael and I want for nothing other than good health and a long shared life experience.”

Jane relocated to west Wales last year after escaping the hurly-burly of a London career in management consultancy and met retired policeman Michael when visiting a friend at Ty Dyffryn.

“We had so much in common we got on like a house on fire and I was soon visiting Jane at her home,” said Michael.

“On one of the visits, in January this year, I collapsed and Jane called 999 and helped me.

“I owe this wonderful woman my very life.”

Soon after, Michael asked Jane to move in with him.

“I decided within weeks to surprise her at one of the bingo sessions I organise for the home and the local community with a secret and well thought out proposal of a ring buried in a series of boxes - Russian doll fashion. I am relieved and honoured to say she said ‘Yes.””

Michael’s health brought them even closer together two weeks ago.

“Just a fortnight ago I had another funny turn when about to start dancing to one of our favourite songs - Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms,” he said.

“Jane, managed to get me to our room, and with a retired firefighter friend delivered CPR to my lifeless body.

“After a few days in hospital I have been given another new lease of life.

“The medics who attended me said the CPR intervention had been critical.

“They also said how a defibrillator could overcome so much anguish over delivering CPR.

“It made us think as a couple that Ty Dyffryn would benefit from a defibrillator for the 50-plus residents supported in the independent living quarters and to help ensure their and our own wellbeing into later life.

“The way things are going, with the generous responses we could have two defibrillators, one on each floor.”

Jane is arranging a course so that all the staff and those residents prepared to, would receive first aid training including how to deliver CPR and use the defibrillator. The training is provided by St John’s Ambulance, Wales.

In the meantime, the home’s residents are helping to plan the big day.