The first married couple with a genetic disorder recently celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary.
Maryanne and Tommy Pilling and their families faced criticism when they decided to marry back in 1995, According to CBN News. People in their community and across the world claimed their marriage would not last because they have Down Syndrome.
But the British couple proved them wrong.
Lindi Newman, Maryanne’s sister, said, “Anything is possible with love and there should be no limitations for anyone, no matter what their circumstances are.”
Lindi runs a Facebook page to celebrate the couple and prove that they are capable, valuable people who are worthy of respect.
Newman remembered the day when Maryanne first met Tommy – it was 1990 and they were at a training center for people with disabilities.
Maryanne came home with the biggest smile on her face. She couldn’t stop talking about him and asked if he could come for dinner. She had a twinkle in her eye, flushed cheeks and was giggling whenever she mentioned his name.”
Eventually, the couple began dating, and after 1 ½ years, they married. Newman said her mother completely supported their union.
Newman told Today,“Our mum has supported them from day one… Tommy doesn’t have any family. They have round-the-clock support from us.”
For the first few years of their marriage, they lived with Maryanne’s family. However, the couple later moved into an apartment on their own, a place they have shared for more than 15 years now,