Web brings thalidomide couple together

A TRANSATLANTIC romance blossomed when two thalidomide survivors began to share their life experiences over the internet.

Newry-born Leigh Loy was living in Texas with her children, Karl, 16, and Aisling, who turns 15 today, when she posted a message on the internet to link up with other thalidomide survivors.

Eugene Gath, who is a lecturer at the University of Limerick, responded and as the messages continued, Eugene decided to travel to Texas and meet Leigh, who had been divorced for seven years.