Mom Was Criticized for Letting Her Daughter with Down Syndrome Get Married but 22 Years Later, Their Love Prevails

 
In July of 1995, a very special couple tied the knot in a church ceremony in Essex. And despite many doubters who disbelieved they would ever have a happy future together, Maryanne and Tommy Pilling defied all odds with the blessing of Maryanne’s mother.

Twenty two years later, the two still hold a love as strong as ever. They live next door to Maryanne’s mother, with her sister and her family residing a few houses down.

While the story may sound like a fairy-tale right out of a book, the path didn’t come with no struggles. Maryanne, 46, and Tommy, 59, both went through significant challenges to get to the point they are at today.

The story starts at a local training center for people with learning difficulties. At the time, they simply dated and had a sweet, innocent relationship. But soon enough, after 18 months of dating, Tommy knew Maryanne was the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. He asked Maryanne’s mom for permission to marry her daughter.

Maryanne’s mom gave him her blessing. But unfortunately, others didn’t approve as easily as Maryanne’s mother did.

Maryanne’s sister, Linda Newman, explained to PEOPLE that their mom received “a lot of flak” for supporting their marriage.

However, that didn’t stop the two from pursuing their love for each other.

Linda explained to The Express, “Maryanne had dreamed about a big white wedding since she was a little girl and that’s exactly what she had. It was a beautiful day.”

“My wedding was the best day of my life. I was shocked when Tommy proposed but I didn’t have to think twice about saying yes.” said Maryanne.

Their story has now gone viral and garnered support from many people across the world, really proving that true love does prevail.

Watch their story and the couple share a special dance in the video below: