Love has no boundaries. It transcends so many things and every human being on this planet has the right to love and be loved.
In July 1995, Maryanne and Tommy Pilling, who both have Down syndrome, took the groundbreaking step of getting married.
You would think this would’ve been met with praise and joy. But the couple faced a backlash of naysayers who didn’t think they would last and who objected to their relationship.
Looks like Maryanne and Tommy will have the last laugh. It’s been 22 years and they are still together and happier than ever.
Despite all the haters, their love story has amazed and inspired thousands worldwide.
It wasn’t always easy for these two lovebirds. Maryanna, 46, and Tommy, 59, both from Essex, England, have faced countless challenges.
Both have experienced the cruelty of prejudice from bigoted people due to their condition.
But despite these obstacles, they found love in each other.
They met at a training center for people with learning difficulties and it was love at first sight.
“The day Maryanne met Tommy, she came home with the biggest smile on her face,” Maryanne’s sister Lindi tells the Daily Mail. “She couldn’t stop talking about him and asked if he could come for dinner.”
Eighteen months later, Tommy was certain Maryanne was the one for him. He firmly decided that he wanted to make Maryanne his wife. But he wouldn’t go through with it until her mother agreed.
Although hesitant at first, Maryanne’s mother and the rest of her family ultimately gave the couple their blessings. They were hesitant, in part because of all of the criticism and negative reaction from people in their local community. People thought the idea was absurd, that the union wouldn’t last and that the couple were “disgusting.”
But nothing could stop the love these two had for one another.
“My wedding was the best day of my life,” Maryanne told the Express. “I was shocked when Tommy proposed, but I didn’t have to think twice about saying ‘yes.’”
In July 1995 in front of their family and friends in a beautiful church in Essex, Maryanne and Tommy exchanged vows and had their dream wedding.
Maryanne’s mother accompanied Tommy to buy the ring to make sure it was perfect.
“When they walk down the street holding hands they make a statement, but in a good way,” Maryanne’s sister Lindi tells People. “Some people stare — they assume people with Down Syndrome and learning difficulties can’t get married.”
Maryanne’s sister launched a Facebook page so people can follow their love story.
“We get so many lovely messages from people who are inspired by their story,” Lindi says. “People worried about their own children or grandchildren with Down Syndrome get hope from Maryanne and Tommy’s story.”
“Their relationship is so special because it is pure — they don’t understand bad emotions of hate,” she adds. “I hope that their children can also fall in love and live happily ever after.”
When you look at the pictures from their wedding and more recent ones, it isn’t hard to see the love and happiness these two have for each other.
Watch this video for more on Maryanne and Tommy’s inspiring love story:
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Tommy and Maryanne’s story really proves that love can overcome any obstacle.
Some people doubted their love and marriage just because they have Down syndrome, but the longevity of their love proves their haters wrong.
Please share this incredible love story with all your friends on Facebook if you were moved by this couple.
