Romantic moment on board Wightlink’s Victoria of Wight

The crew of Wightlink‘s flagship Victoria of Wight played cupid when regular traveller Kevin Gumma decided it was time to propose to his partner Chrissy Tierney.

Kevin thought it would be romantic to pop the question in mid-Solent so tipped off steward Sue Prince in advance. She was only too pleased to make the arrangements for Captain Alex Fogarty to invite the couple to the Bridge.

“We’re both originally from the mainland and now live in Ryde so it was appropriate to get engaged on a ferry on our way to Portsmouth for a holiday in Dorset,” explains Kevin who has just set up his own engineering consultancy business on the Island. “We have been together for 14 years and our son Stanley is nine years old so perhaps it was high time we got married?”

Encouraged by the crew on the Bridge, Kevin got down on one knee to ask Chrissy to marry him.

Chrissy takes up the story: “While waiting for the ferry, Kev had suggested trying to arrange a visit to the Bridge. It was a few days before my 50th birthday, so he asked if I wanted an early present – and then he proposed. I asked Stan what he thought first and we both said yes! I love the ring and was very impressed that Kev chose it himself – it’s just what I would have chosen myself. We’re a very happy family.”

Captain Alex adds: “Contrary to the commonly held belief, ship captains are not authorised to marry people. My crew and I, however, were delighted to play our part in Kevin and Chrissy’s day, and wish them both a happy future together.”

For more information, contact Karen Woods on 07775 694266 or [email protected].