Back in 1995, Tommy and Maryanne Pilling ignored the critics and the doubters and decided to get married, effectively becoming the first couple with Down Syndrome to ever tie the knot in Britain, Upworthy reported.
Now, 24 years later, the pair have defied the odds and remain happily married, continuing to inspire the world with their incredible story.
According to their official Facebook page, the two hit it off right away, first becoming close friends before they eventually began dating.
"I was shocked when Tommy proposed but I didn’t have to think twice about saying yes," the 48-year-old told the Independent.
Nothing could ruin their fairy-tale wedding, not even those who objected to this couple ever marrying in the first place.
"When they got engaged 26 years ago many many people doubted them, said it was disgusting and they shouldn’t be allowed to get married, they also said that it would never work," their Facebook page run by Maryanne's sister, Lindi Newman, reads.
The pair have amassed a strong social media following with over 60,000 fans keeping up with their heartwarming story through their Facebook page.
They've even renewed their vows — twice!
But there are also photos that show a simpler side of Tommy and Maryanne's life together, like grabbing a cup of coffee at a local cafe and taking silly photos of each other using Snapchat filters.
"When they walk down the street holding hands they make a statement but in a good way," she told the Independent.
"Some people stare, they assume people with Down Syndrome and learning difficulties can't get married. But we also get so many lovely lovely messages from people who are inspired by their story."
Five years ago, 61-year-old Tommy was reportedly diagnosed with dementia, and the debilitating disease is only getting worse.
"He’s forgotten who Maryanne is a handful of times," Lindi told the Express. "It always happens really late at night. He pushes her away and says, 'I don’t know who you are' and 'I don’t love you.' Maryanne takes that to heart and is absolutely crushed and hysterical."
In a Facebook post from September 2019 addressing this news, Lindi wrote about the situation and condemned the media for reporting that the pair were "separating."
"Yes we're unsure of what their future will be but we take each day as it comes," she wrote. "As a family up until now we have done everything we can for them to live happy independent lives, that will never change. Every decision we make will be the best for them."
