Valentine’s Day for Ballarat residents Gerrard and Margaret is extra special this year, as they count down to their wedding day on Sunday.
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The couple, who both have an acquired brain injury, met while living in supported accommodation in Ballarat.
After enjoying seven years together, Gerrard and Margaret’s major goal was to move into their own home and get married.
The pair moved into a home in Ballarat last month with the support of Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) and NDIS. They said the move was a major achievement and they were excited to get married at the Botanical Gardens on Sunday.
“I can’t wait for Gerrard to be my husband and I can’t wait to be his wife,” Margaret said.
“We have been waiting a long time to get married. We have been together around seven or eight years,” Gerrard said.
“I love Margaret and Margaret loves me.”
Not-for-profit disability service provider, VMCH, helped the couple, both 65, find the right home and continues to support them with their daily living needs.
VMCH disability services regional manager Jo Debrincat more options opened up for the couple once they secured NDIS support.
“The NDIS is all about empowering people to live ordinary and fulfilled lives. Gerrard and Margaret’s major goal was to live together,” she said.
“The NDIS gave them the ability to make choices and plan their future together. This would have been a lot more of a challenge without the supports they are now receiving.”
Margaret says she loves their new home in Wendouree. Gerrard, a keen cook and gardener, enjoys working in their garden, growing flowers for Margaret and cooking for them every night.