When a couple with a 40-year age gap got married, people gave them judgemental looks. Defying all odds, they’ve stayed together for the past seventeen years, but some say the man married the woman, almost twice his age, for her money.
What do you think is the perfect age gap for a happy marriage? Or do you think age is just a number? Many believe age is an important factor to consider when choosing your partner. They might feel couples with wider age gaps have lower compatibility.
On the other hand, some people, like the couple in today’s story, don’t think age matters when finding your life partner. They believe love knows no bounds and don’t mind having an older spouse, even if they are almost twice their age.
Simon and Edna Martin. | Source: Facebook.com/This Morning
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
87-year-old Edna Martin met 47-year-old Simon Martin eighteen years ago, and they fell in love at first sight. At that time, Simon was a 30-year-old man who had never been in a romantic relationship with a girl. He lived with his parents and was a fan of organ music.
In 2003, Simon went to a concert and got there a bit late, so he decided to use the emergency exit instead of the entrance. Little did he know that his future wife would open the door for him. He recalled what happened when he saw Edna:
“She was standing there in a nice black suit, and she opened her arms. We literally fell into each other’s arms.”
Simon and Edna Martin. | Source: Facebook.com/This Morning
AN UNUSUAL COUPLE
Edna, a divorced woman, was around 70 when she met Simon at the concert. At first, they were in a long-distance relationship because Simon lived in Birmingham, miles away from Edna’s home in Weston-super-Mare.
While Edna and Simon’s families supported their decision, some people looked at them with raised eyebrows.
When Simon’s parents found out who he was dating, they were shocked. They couldn’t understand why their son was interested in a woman almost twice his age. However, when they saw how happy he was around her, they let it go.
Edna is 87 and Simon is 47 but they don't let the critics get to themhttps://t.co/F5plfjRLAn
— Devon Live News (@DevonLiveNews) August 16, 2022
TYING THE KNOT
On the other hand, Edna’s family has been supportive since day one. She had grandchildren older than her boyfriend, but that didn’t matter. When she told her children about her plans to tie the knot with Simon, they were happy for her.
On July 8, 2005, the couple got married in an intimate ceremony. Edna’s daughter baked a beautiful wedding cake while her then-57-year-old son, who had waited for this moment for a long time, happily “gave her away.”
While Edna and Simon’s families supported their decision, some people looked at them with raised eyebrows. They couldn’t understand why Edna and Simon chose to date each other, knowing they had a 40-year age gap. Simon said:
“Our friends and acquaintances have always been happy for us, but of course, we just ignore any weird looks and comments.”
Simon and Edna Martin during an interview. | Source: Facebook.com/This Morning
SOME PROBLEMS
For his love for organ music, Simon regularly visited multiple cities in the UK before his health affected his mobility. He quit his regular tours because of diabetes and a kidney transplant. Moreover, he also had dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Asperger’s syndrome.
Meanwhile, Edna had to rely on a walking aid to move around, but that didn’t affect their relationship. Instead, their bond has only grown stronger over the years. Edna said:
“Simon has had his health problems, and I’m getting older now, but do you know anyone who is getting younger?”
Simon and Edna Martin. | Source: Facebook.com/This Morning
THEIR FAMILY
Edna had worked as an engineer before retiring and was previously in a 37-year-long relationship with her previous partner. They had two children, Lorraine and Russell, who cheer for their mother’s new partner.
On Father’s Day every year, Russell never forgets to send a card to Simon. He sometimes calls him “dad” to have fun and laugh and respects him because he keeps Edna happy. When she fell in love with Simon, she was sure she didn’t want to let him go.
However, when it came to building their family, Edna and Simon knew they couldn’t have children. Edna said she had asked Simon to leave because he wouldn’t have children with her, but he chose to stay. Simon said: