This is the heartwarming moment two 16-year-olds with special needs were reunited after six months apart – and he proposed.
Lillie Dodd and Steven Bagley, both 16, have been smitten since they met at school last year, and have been an item ever since.
While shielding, they couldn’t see each other for six months, but kept in touch via up to FIVE video calls a day.
Their families formed a ‘bubble’ to enable to pair to meet up for a date – and Steven got down on one knee with a ring to ask if Lillie would marry him ‘in the future’.
Lillie, who also has a rare genetic condition which limits her physical movement, instantly said yes to Steven, who has ADHD.
Lillie’s mum, Emma Dodd, 51, a school transport escort, said: ““They absolutely adore each other.
“They’re very much in love, in their own little world, and they love spending time together.
“During lockdown they were missing each other terribly.
“They definitely bounce off each other, and both having autism, they also know how to support each other.”
The pair from Colwyn Bay, North Wales met in February 2019 at the special needs school they both attend, and they’ve been together ever since.
The lovebirds met for lunch at a local restaurant, where Steven proposed, on August 12.
Emma said: “Their relationship is very innocent.
“They both need a lot of support, and they always will – but it’s lovely to hear them making plans for the future.
“It’s so nice to see Lillie happy with Steven, and to have that little bit of normality in both their lives.
“Even though their relationship is unique to them, and is different to other relationships, it’s lovely that they are able to be together.
“And of course, it would be a beautiful love story if they did end up getting married!”
ENDS