Damian proposes at Park Hill's iconic 'I love you' bridge

Date: 02/08/2012. Story submitted by: Gael Stigant

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A loved-up sweet shop owner has proposed to his piece of eye candy at the iconic ‘I love you’ bridge at Park Hill flats.

Damian Maxfield, 25, proposed to his partner Matthew Greenacre, 23, by arranging for Matthew’s name to appear alongside the ‘I love you will u marry me’ message on the famous bridge.

The couple, who have been an item for four months, used to meet at Park Hill before they went on dates because it was half way between their homes. They’ve since moved in together near Ecclesall Road.

Damian said: “It’s not that long ago that we met but I knew he was the one pretty much straight away. I went away on holiday for four days and I missed him like crazy. That’s when I knew for sure and decided I wanted to marry him.”

The proposal took place on Thursday morning.

Matthew said: “We went for a walk and he kept stalling the whole way up to the bridge, saying he had a stone in his shoe and stuff, because there were some people in front of us. Then when we got to the bridge he stopped and told me to look up. It said ‘Matthew, I love you, will u marry me’ and when I turned around again he had the ring.

“I’m shocked. It’s crazy. I felt so many emotions at once and I asked if it was really happening. I thought I was going to cry. Funnily enough I didn’t say yes straight away, I just grabbed the ring from him! And then later I said, ‘By the way, it’s yes.’”

Damian, who lost 12 stone through an exercise regime that included walking past Park Hill to work from Norfolk Park every day, said: “I wanted to do something that was pretty big. Originally I wanted the big banner on the front of the building but that was going to be far too expensive! But Urban Splash helped me out and recommended doing something with the bridge instead.”

Damian had a sign created which made Matthew’s name look like it was part of the graffiti message on the concrete.

The original message was spray painted on the bridge which links two of the Park Hill buildings more than ten years ago. Last year, Park Hill developers Urban Splash outlined the message in neon lights, making it a popular addition to Sheffield’s skyline.

Mark Latham, development manager at Urban Splash, said: "We’re delighted that Matthew accepted Damian’s proposal and their story is now another chapter in Park Hill’s history. Everybody at Urban Splash would like to wish them all the best in their married life.”

The couple met when Matthew became a regular customer at Damian’s sweet shop, American Soul on Chapel Walk.

Damian said: “Matthew came in quite a bit so we just got talking. At first I thought he would be good as a friend as we just clicked. But then I met him for a drink and I’ve literally seen him every single day since then.”

They hope to tie the knot next summer at Alton Towers theme park.

Additional info

Address: Park Hill Sheffield S2 5PN

Tags: I love you will u marry me, Park Hill Flats, Urban Splash, I love you bridge, proposal