A GOUROCK couple celebrated a special occasion – by appearing on one of America’s most popular TV programmes.

Robert and Carol Wilson went to New York to mark their 40th wedding anniversary, and were invited on to the Today programme, which is broadcast live from the city.

They couldn’t believe it when they were asked on to the show.
Robert explained: “When we arrived in New York we were met by Carol’s sister, Kathleen, and brother in-law Jon, who live in Virginia.

“They surprised us with a banner displaying our first wedding photos, and arranged for us all to go to the Today show studio. You stand outside, and you get invited in if you’re seen with something unusual –  and that’s what happened to us

“We stood in pouring rain and were asked to go in and meet presenters Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, who noticed our banner and Scottish flag on the camera monitoring people outside the studio.

“We were asked to wave into a camera as they announced congratulations to us live on the show.

“It was really special, and something we will always remember.

“They were very nice, and spent time talking and having photos taken with us after the show.”

The couple, who are both 62, were married in Greenock’s Mid Kirk on May 1 1976 by the Rev Andrew Porteous.

They have two sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren.

Robert said: “We renewed our wedding vows on our 25th anniversary in Las Vegas in 2001, accompanied by our son and daughter Ross and Cheryl. 

“We were on a cruise on the QE2 in 2010, which was its last voyage sailing to Dubai, when, along with several other couples, we were asked if we wanted to be part of history by renewing our wedding vows aboard the ship.

“This year we decided to renew our vows again, this time in New York’s Central Park. We had photos taken in Central Park, Times Square, and at the Plaza Hotel.”

They then enjoyed a meal at an appropriate venue for the couple – the famous Tavern On The Green, close to the finishing point of the New York Marathon, which they both ran in 2007.

Greenock Glenpark Harrier Robert has run 46 marathons, and raised a lot of money for good causes, with some being donated by passengers on Wilson’s Buses, which is run by his family.

He said: “Seeing New York again was like a dream come true, especially for our 40th anniversary.”