Couple forced to defend their 32-year relationship age gap

A Scottish woman who married a man 32-years her senior has been forced to tell confused strangers that her husband is their child's father not his grandfather.

Michelle Macpherson, 28, never thought a relationship with Jerry Fielden, 60, saw each other for the first time ten-years-ago.

They met in person in Michelle's hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 2008 after spending two years bonding over the band Deep Purple on myspace.com.

A Scottish woman who married a man 32-years her senior has been forced to tell confused strangers that her husband is their child's father not his grandfather. Photo: Michelle Macpherson/Caters
A Scottish woman who married a man 32-years her senior has been forced to tell confused strangers that her husband is their child's father not his grandfather. Photo: Michelle Macpherson/Caters

She felt 'instantly attracted' to Jerry from Quebec, Canada, who would later be her first boyfriend, after falling for his nice eyes, smile and curly hair.

His long hair, which she says draws countless compliments, also led him to be compared to 'Merry Christmas Everybody' singer Noddy Holder of the band Slade.

The couple's 32-year age gap was initially disapproved of by Michelle's family, but they got married in 2010 and say over times things have changed.

The loved-up pair who have a six-year-old son together, called Gillan, say the only corrections they have to make is people confusing Jerry for their son's grandfather.

"Most people will see age difference rather than seeing what a couple share together, with Jerry and I, we have so much in common,” Michelle said.

"The only time we have had any problems over our age is around our son, some people think he is his grandfather rather than his father.

Michelle Macpherson, 28, never thought a relationship with Jerry Fielden, 60, saw each other for the first time ten-years-ago. Here they are on their wedding day. Photo: Michelle Macpherson/Caters
Michelle Macpherson, 28, never thought a relationship with Jerry Fielden, 60, saw each other for the first time ten-years-ago. Here they are on their wedding day. Photo: Michelle Macpherson/Caters

"We hope our son doesn't face any backlash over us having an age-gap, but we are prepared for those kinds of comments – fortunately nothing has happened so far."

The couple met online over myspace in 2006, bonding over a shared love for the band Deep Purple and the leader singer Ian Gillan – who they would later name their son after.

Over time Michelle would become a confidant for Jerry, who was having relationship troubles and eventually two years-on they would meet face to face.

"Jerry was the first person I dated, he was my first relationship so at the time I didn't know if it was going to work out but thankfully it did,” Michelle said.

After meeting in Scotland, Michelle would later fly to see Jerry in Canada, solidifying a relationship that would eventually see the couple happily married.

The couple who will celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary next year, say they have been 'lucky' not to face too much backlash over their relationship. Photo: Michelle Macpherson/Caters
The couple who will celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary next year, say they have been 'lucky' not to face too much backlash over their relationship. Photo: Michelle Macpherson/Caters

"I knew so much about him already from talking online, I didn't know it would be a long-term thing then but as time went on I realised we would be together,” she said.

Michelle and Jerry now play in the band AraPacis together, with her as the lead singer and him on the guitar.

The couple who will celebrate their eighth wedding anniversary next year, say they have been 'lucky' not to face too much backlash over their relationship.

"A lot of people out and about are pretty indifferent, they see us at a restaurant eating a meal as a family so we don't really experience much negativity,” she said.

"It can be difficult if you're in an age-gap relationship, but if you and your partner are determined to make it work then that's all that really matters.

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