A man who accidentally sent text messages to another woman instead of his wife – ended with the man becoming her husband.
Former security guard Peter Mctaggart, 46, met his current wife Mary, 60, in 2003 after repeatedly texting her number – thinking it was his wife’s.
After receiving three messages from the stranger, Mary, who was also married to someone else at the time, responded to let Peter know he must have the wrong number.
But their relationship soon blossomed over text messages and the pair confided each about their failing relationships – until Peter travelled from Bolton, Lancashire, to stay with Mary and her then husband.
When Peter’s wife found out about their friendship and Mary eventually split from her own partner, the pair realised that “fate had brought them together”.
Despite the unusual method of meeting and the 14-year age gap, the couple claim their shared sense of humour ensures they are well matched.
Mary, from Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, said: “It was fate that brought us together.