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Gerald is no Tom, Dick or Harry...

"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."

Please tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a 35-year-old ex-journalist from Denbigh with a history of mental health problems.

What's your story about?
Life with Gerald, my partner of seven years who has helped change my life.

Why did you choose to tell this particular story?
I was going to tell a story about my mental health problems, but after the storytelling workshop I decided to make it more personal and tell my own love story.

What did you find most rewarding about the workshop?
Being given the opportunity to be creative with images, recording my voiceover and the brilliant interaction between all of us on the workshop.

Your comments

"Just great! Real love is rare ..." Sally, Sheffield, England.