Loved up couple hit back at strangers who abuse them in the street because of their 19-year age gap
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A loved up couple have hit back at the strangers they claim verbally abuse them in the street because of their 19-year age gap.
Stephanie Jarvis, 24, and Andrew Bird, 43, met four years ago and say they have been repeatedly mistaken for father and daughter.
The pair, from Inverness, Scotland, claim they have been taunted by strangers who call dad-of-three Andrew a 'cradle snatcher' and refer to Stephanie as a 'gold digger'.
After first meeting in the cafe where Stephanie was waitressing, they got engaged in 2013 and have now started planning their wedding .
The couple, who have the full support of their families, insist their relationship is no different to any other.
(Image: Caters News Agency)
Stephanie, a coach driver, said: "When we're out in public together, holding hands, we get called all sorts.
"Andrew has been called a cradle snatcher, and a child fiddler, and I often get called a gold digger.
"We just try and shake it off because it tends to be more awkward for the person who is saying those things, especially when they see we're not bothered.
"Having the support of my parents, and even Andrew's children, is the most important thing. If our loved ones aren't bothered, then why should anyone else be?"
After falling in love Stephanie moved from the remote Orkney Islands, Scotland, to be with Andrew, also a coach driver, in Inverness.
(Image: Caters News Agency)
Stephanie added: "One month after we had met, and I had closed the door on my previous unhappy relationship, Andrew asked me if I would run away with him to his home town.
"I packed up my stuff and went to be with him, because I didn't want to be without him.
"I left behind my mother, father and brother - but I called my mum to let her know about Andrew, I just said 'but I'm nervous to tell you- he's older than me!'"
(Image: Caters News Agency)
She continued: "My mother and I were a bit dubious at first because I was only 20 at the time, but then everyone started to notice how well he was treating me, and how happy I was - and that's all that mattered.
"Since I moved three years ago, I have trained to become a coach driver, we've got engaged and we've started planning our wedding."
Despite having acceptance from her family, and even being called 'Mumma J' by Andrew's three children, the couple have had their fair share of horrible comments.
(Image: Caters News Agency)
Stephanie added: "The most poignant memory that I have of us being mistaken for father and daughter was when we went to a fair ground.
"I took his children on one of the rides and Andrew was holding the bags, and I ride attendant asked if 'daddy is paying?'
"I simply replied, 'no, but my fiance is,' and the attendant just went completely bright red - he was more embarrassed than us.
"We also get the horrible comments and dirty looks, but we're not bothered. We're happy and that's all that matters - it's no one else's business."