An inseparable couple with Down's syndrome have beaten the odds to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.
Maryanne, 48, and Tommy Pilling, 62, from South-End-on-Sea, Essex, first met while volunteering at a training center for people with disabilities back in 1990, and after 18 months of dating, Tommy popped the question using a toy ring from a vending machine.
Watch this heartwarming video celebrating the three decades the couple has shared together:The couple have been living independently since they tied the knot in 1995, and they are now facing a new challenge as Tommy battles dementia. Despite this, the pair's love is as strong as ever and they never have a cross word.
Recounting their love story for the ages on their Facebook page, Maryanne's sister wrote: "Their wedding day was perfect, surrounded by family, friends and so much love. 250 people enjoyed the day-long celebration.
Maryanne looked like a princess in her beautiful white dress, tiara, and long veil. Tommy looked very dapper in his made to measure suit."
After the initial wedding ceremony, the couple moved into Maryanne's family home before eventually getting their own flat next door to Maryanne's mom 15 years ago.
Despite needing assistance "with most aspects of their life," the couple "manage superbly as a team".
Maryanne's sister Lindi said that the couple was planning a party for their anniversary, however, it's not known if this will still be taking place, or a scaled-back version, because of the current pandemic.
Maryanne's sister continued on Facebook: "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.
"But it's amazing to say they are still as happy as they were 29 years ago when they first met.
"This page shows their love for one another quite clearly, it shows how happy they are, how much they adore each other and it proves to all the doubters that anything is possible with love."
As if all of this wasn't already inspirational enough, Maryanne's sister Lindi said that she has researched other married couples with Down's syndrome and she believes that they are the longest living couple with the condition.
If you'd like to keep up with Maryanne and Tommy, you can join the 64K people who have liked their popular Facebook page.
