Michael was born on the 9th September 1927 in Gelli, a small Welsh village known for its coal mining heritage. He was the youngest of ten children, raised in a Christian home by his coal mining father and devoted mother, Emma, known as a prayer warrior.” Life in Gelli was tough but the strong family bond shaped Michael’s values from a young age. When Michael was nine, the family moved to London, a change that would eventually lead him to a new chapter entirely.

Michael joined the Navy at aged 17 and was stationed in Northern Ireland, working on Spitfires. During this time, Michael began to distance himself from the faith. Still, his mother never stopped praying for him. Her deepest desire, as she neared the end of her life, was for Michael to return to the Lord and find a wife who would walk the path of faith with him. “It was her dying wish for me to find a wife”, he said. Sadly, she passed away around Easter in 1959, not knowing that the very person she had been praying for had already arrived in London that January.

They had five children: Paul (1960), a musician, formally in the band M People, who now mentors young talent; Benjamin (1961), a primary school teacher; Johnathan (1963), a piano tuner and technician at the Royal Festival Hall and Southbank; James (1966), a vicar and the Area Dean of Kensington; and Hannah (1970), a locality teacher. Joan continued her teaching career while Michael became more active in ministry, serving as a deacon at Immanuel Church in North Kensington (1985–1995) and later recognised as a minister in the Assemblies of God. Today, they are proud grandparents to twelve supportive and caring grandchildren. “We can’t thank God enough for our family,” Michael said.

In August 2023, Michael and Joan moved into Dorothea Court, a decision they believe was divinely timed. They had known of the place for years through their support of the Congo Evangelical Mission, where retired missionaries were once cared for. Now, they are grateful to call it home. “Thanking the Lord for leading us to Dorothea Court. Right place, right time,” Michael says.

Their spiritual life continues to flourish in their new setting. “Our church is in the lounge,” Joan explains. “We have devotions on Tuesday mornings, Bible study on Thursdays, and communion every Sunday.” They also attend the Bunyan Church for Lent services, but feel their true spiritual community is right here at Dorothea Court.

At Dorothea Court, there are many daily blessings to be enjoyed. “We love the garden, and when the college students come to visit,” says Joan. Michael is keen on the keep fit exercises that take place at the home and continues to play the piano in his living room. His favourite piece to play is ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’. He recalls living at his former home and how a neighbourhood cat would run across the street every time she heard the music, always settling beside him as he played the piano. “It was quite a funny memory,” says Joan.

After more than six decades together, their love shines brighter than ever with a beautiful legacy built on faith, love and community.