A husband and wife are living proof that age gap relationships can stand the test of time.
When Edna Martin, 83, got together with her 44-year-old partner Simon in 2005, she was targeted by trolls who said she was looking for a toy boy.
But the Somerset-based pensioner has proven her partnership is stronger by staying with her hubby for 16 years – and they have a very healthy sex life.
The pair say they’re madly in love and behave like a “couple of kids” by pinching each others bums in public.
The couple met at a concert in 2003.
Edna, a mum-of-two, was working as a secretary for a local theatre organ club.
She was drawn to organist Simon as as she welcomed him into the venue.
Simon, who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, recalled: "Ed opened the door and it was love at first sight.
"She was standing there in a nice, black suit and she opened her arms.
"We literally fell into each other's arms.
"I thought to myself 'She's a bit of alright'."
The pair exchanged letters and phone calls in the following months and occasionally ran into each other at organ concerts around the UK.
Edna recalled: "We both share a passion for organ music and moved around in similar circles.
"I kept hearing about this 'funny little man' named Simon Martin and I thought our paths will have to cross at some point.
"Eventually we were introduced by a friend and after a polite chat I kissed him on the cheek.
"Then he embraced me and I said to our mutual friend 'He likes hugs, doesn't he?'"I thought at that moment 'I don't want to let him go?'
"Before we were together he would talk to me for five hours at night over the phone and when he came to stay he would play Goodnight, Sweetheart on the electronic organ every single night.
"I cried every time."
After weeks of sparks flying, they confirmed their romance by kissing beneath Weston-super-Mare pier after a concert.
The couple dated for months, before going public with their relationship in 2005.
Even though trolls criticised the pairing, Edna and Simon later tied the knot.
They have since enjoyed 16 years together – and love each other more than ever.
The pair’s sex life also hasn’t waned, even though Edna is 83-years-old.
She revealed: She said: "We are still intimate in the bedroom as much as any couple in love.
"We'll often stop in the street and have a damn good kiss - I've never felt conscious of the age gap in public.
"I kiss Simon's neck and pinch his bum in the supermarket - he will twang the back of my bra in the queue.
"We just do what two people in love do."
The gran-of-four added: "We love each other more than before - the love has grown over the years, it's absolutely wonderful.
"Simon has had his health problems and I'm getting older now, but do you know anyone who is getting younger?
"Simon had a kidney transplant four years ago and has been diagnosed with type two diabetes so I have to feed him right.
"I have a push along walking thing as I struggle with my mobility but as one gets older these things happen.
"We support and love each other - life couldn't be better.
"Our love gets bigger and bigger all the time."
Does age matter?
A recent Daily Star Online poll asked readers their opinions on age gap relationships.
The survey of 2,800 revealed the vast majority of people aren’t bothered by other people’s partnerships.
After we asked: “Do you agree with age gap love?”, the voters said:
- I don’t care, people can date whoever they want – 40%
- Yes, age is just a number – 36%
- No, age gaps can be too big to make relationships work – 24%