THEY look like grandad and granddaughter — but 29-year-old Nicola and
67-year-old Joe Philpot are actually HUSBAND and WIFE.
Nicola, of Chigwell, Essex, was just 16 when the couple fell for each other
with the romance causing a huge backlash from their families.
Despite the 38-year age gap, the couple have proved their critics wrong and
even have plans to renew their vows after celebrating their 13th wedding
anniversary.
Nicola, who first started dating Joe when he was a 54-year-old divorced
dad-of-three, said: “Even though Joe’s more than double my age, he’s so full
of energy.
“He might have 10 teeth missing and a bit of a pot belly, but he’s absolutely
gorgeous to me.
“I would often see him when I was doing my local paper round and when we
chatted there was an instant attraction.
“He seemed fun and would play my favourite 60s music like the Bee Gees. I knew
I wanted to be with Joe – it didn’t feel weird, it felt right.”
Just two weeks after admitting their feelings — Nicola moved into Joe’s house.
A year later she gave birth to daughter Felicity and a year after that the
couple were wed.
Nicola added: “A lot of people didn’t agree with our relationship. When we
first went out, people would call Joe names — like paedophile.
“My family stopped talking to me and all but one of Joe’s children cut all
ties with him. It caused a huge rift but I’d never been so happy in my life.
“Mum still doesn’t approve and I hardly speak with any of my family now.
“I don’t see what their problem is — if one of my daughters wanted to date an
older man I wouldn’t stop her – I think older men treat women better.
“It was upsetting that I didn’t have the support of my family but Joe and I
thought we were just a normal couple in love and we wanted to be together no
matter what.”
The couple insist they still have an active sex life — despite Joe suffering
with angina and arthritis.
Nicola said: “I’ve always wanted a young family and despite the age difference
between Joe and me, I’ve never had trouble conceiving.
“We decided to try for another baby a couple of years ago and now have the
perfect package.”
The pair are proud parents to Felicity, 12, Cody, eight, Thomas ten, and
Lilly-Rose — who was born just 11 months ago.
She added: “When we go to the shops, people often assume Joe’s the kids’
grandfather. But he doesn’t seem to mind and finds it all a bit funny.
“Joe’s a great dad and still has plenty of energy to play with them. He’s
young for his age and I tend not to think about what will happen in the
future. I live for every moment as it comes.
“I’m just as in love with Joe as the first day I met him – we now hope to save
up money to renew our wedding vows very soon.”
Retired plumber Joe added: “I don’t feel my age and love running around after
the kids. I’m a hand’s-on dad and I love every minute of it.
“We’re just a normal family — we go to the park at weekends take the kids on
camping holiday. If people disapprove of us it’s their problem, not mine.”