Tommy and Maryanne Pilling brought viewers to tears after they appeared on a morning talk show to celebrate 23 years of marriage — despite doubters who claimed they wouldn’t last because they both had Down syndrome.
During an appearance onThis Morningon Friday with his wife and mother-in-law, Linda Newman, Tommy became emotional while recalling his wedding to Maryanne in July 1995.
“I do love her,” he said as he couldn’t contain his emotions.
Newman, who received criticized at the time for allowing the two to get married, reached over and rubbed his back, saying, “It’s all right. It’s okay.”
Also during the interview, Maryanne was elated when she remembered her wedding dress.
The pair is considered to be the first couple with Down syndrome in the United Kingdom to marry — although their union received a barrage of criticism from people claiming their learning difficulties would make it impossible for them to remain married.
Tommy and Maryanne proved all their naysayers wrong, as they prepare to celebrate 23 years of marriage on Sunday.
The couple lives in their own apartment next door to Newman, and across the street from Maryanne’s sister, who is their full-time caretaker.
“They lived with me for the first 10 years, when they were first married,” Newman said. “I taught them to cook and to be as self-sufficient as possible. And then the flat came up next door, and we thought it was a wonderful opportunity — a safe move.”
She added, “They have lots of support. It’s better for them and better for me because they get their independence and their private time. I’m there if they need me.”
Maryanne and Tom/Facebook
Tommy cheekily added he would “like” a party for their anniversary.
“They’ve had more parties than anyone else I know,” Newman said, laughing.
Maryanne and Tommy, who first met at a local training center for people with learning difficulties, had been dating for about 18 months when he asked her to marry him with a toy ring from a vending machine after her mother gave him her blessing.
source: people.com
