How did a simple text to an unknown number lead to true love? This heartwarming story will surprise you

Back in 1998, an 18-year-old DJ named Donovan Shears made a decision that would change everything. With his new mobile phone in hand, he thought it’d be fun to send random text messages to people whose numbers started with the same four digits as his own. What began as a quirky experiment ended up connecting him with Kirsty, a woman who would later become his wife, as reported by the New York Post.
The beginning of something unexpected
As per media reports, Donovan wasn’t expecting much when he sent out a “hello” to random numbers. However, when Kirsty, who lived more than 100 miles away in Cleethorpes, responded with a simple "hi," a conversation began. Their exchange of texts quickly grew more frequent, and they developed a connection despite the physical distance between them.
“We would text through the day, and then obviously it would become more and more frequent,” Kirsty remembered. “At one point, we decided we should phone each other.”
Describing each other without photos

In the days before camera phones, the pair had to rely entirely on descriptions. As per reports, when Kirsty asked Donovan what he looked like, he told her he was 6ft 6ins tall. She was a bit skeptical but decided to trust him. "I thought ‘is he really?’ Luckily he really is that tall, so I wasn’t being catfished via text,” she laughed.Their trust grew through the words they shared, and despite not having visual confirmation of one another’s appearance, their bond continued to strengthen.
Meeting in person
According to the sources, after months of texting, they decided it was time to meet face to face. Kirsty made the bold move to travel from Cleethorpes to Coventry to meet Donovan. Her stepsister had concerns, warning her that he could be anyone. But Kirsty, confident in their connection, replied, “I said to my stepsister, ‘I’ve got to go and meet this guy,’ and she was like, ‘He could be anyone,’ and I was like, ‘Yes, I know,’ but I was 18 and didn’t really think about consequences.”
Their first meeting wasn’t elaborate. It consisted of a night out at a nightclub, followed by a late-night kebab. Donovan fondly recalls that first night, saying, “I remember coming back from our first night out and we just cuddled up, it was kind of magical in a way.”

A relationship built on trust and friendship
Media reports suggest that Donovan, now 45, has transitioned from being a DJ to working in cybersecurity, but his admiration for Kirsty remains unwavering. He describes her as “an amazing woman” and praises her intelligence. “We know each other so well, she’s my best friend as well as my wife,” Donovan says.
The couple has since built a life together and has children of their own. As Valentine’s Day approaches, they are preparing to renew their vows in a ceremony at Coventry Cathedral. Donovan shared his excitement, saying, “I took my son for a suit fitting yesterday, and he absolutely loved it. Then my girl, she’s like, ‘I want to see Mummy get dressed up,’ she can’t wait.”
A simple text that changed everything
What started as a random text message from Donovan turned into a relationship that neither he nor Kirsty could have ever expected. Their story is a testament to the power of a small decision and how a spontaneous act can lead to something life-changing.
From a playful “hello” to a lasting marriage, their journey proves that sometimes the simplest actions can have the most profound impacts.