As good as gold!

When Joe and Sheila Magee from Cushendun reached the magical milestone recently, they asked friends and family to donate money rather than buy them presents.

And to date the selfless venture has raised over 1,400.

The couple - both in their 70s - came up with the idea to use the occasion to raise money towards the renovations at St Patrick’s Church, Cushendun.

And a portion of the money donated will also go to an Alzheimer’s charity.

The Magee family were personally touched by the debilitating disease in the past.

Over 120 of Joe and Sheila’s closest friends and family packed into the Parochial Hall in Cushendun on Friday 16 April to celebrate with the pair who have 14 children - nine girls and five boys.

Daughter Claire Magee said mum Sheila and dad Joe - who worked as a caretaker at St Ciaran’s Primary School before his retirement - were delighted with the response.

“They are over the moon with the amount of money raised,” she told the Times.

“So far there is about 1,420 and there is still money coming in.”

The Magee family wish to thank everyone who has made a donation.

It is the second time the Magees have used an anniversary to raise money for good causes.

When Sheila turned 70 she also asked for cash contributions rather than gifts for herself - and she raised over 1,000.