±«Óãtv

Transcript

"Hi, I'm Ian.

And this is Gerald. He's helped change my life.

When we first met on a bus, I'd been struggling with severe mental health problems for a long time, and before we met again, I had a short stay in hospital following another breakdown.

Then, whilst out campaigning for the Welsh referendum on devolution, I saw Gerald outside the gents' outfitters shop he managed in Denbigh.
"Will you be saying Yes?" I asked. "It depends what to." he replied.

Days later we met up for a drink and we've been together ever since ...

I've found happiness with a man 26 years older than me. Gerald has given me a reason for living. He's my soul-mate and mentor and I love him.

We have common interests - politics, foreign travel, people and a sense of humour.

My parents have been very supportive of my relationship with Gerald and we function really well as a family, although, Ellis - my stepfather - is in fact six years younger than Gerald. Age doesn't matter. We all get on and that's what's important.

Gerald and I have had our ups and downs like most couples but since we've been together, I have started to accept my manic depression. Having someone to share my life with has helped ease my illness. Talking is our strength and we are both learning to cope.

I had my fortune read a few years ago. I was told I'd meet a man called Thomas who would play a large part in my life ... Gerald's first name is Thomas, but he's not any old Tom, Dick or Harry!

He's a man after my own heart."