大象传媒

Debra Humphries and Gary Slaymaker had been nodding acquaintances for a number of years but, in March 2017, Debra used Facebook鈥檚 Messenger app to ask Gary if he had any stand-up gigs arranged in Cardiff. This innocent little enquiry started a conversation, which developed over the next few weeks into late night chats.

It became clear they had a lot in common and shared a sense of humour.

They met for a drink, and then an official first date and, following that, spent the entire week in each other鈥檚 company (and beds). Shortly afterwards, they changed their social media profiles to 鈥淚n a relationship with鈥︹��

Things couldn鈥檛 have been any better for the pair - until Debra鈥檚 17-year-old son, Brychan, became ill. He was diagnosed with stage four cancer and underwent an operation. Despite the very best efforts of the staff at Cardiff鈥檚 Heath Hospital, Brychan died just two weeks after falling ill.

Since that day, it鈥檚 been a matter of coping with the loss for Debra, with Gary doing his best to be a shoulder for her to lean on.

The Joy of Text distils that year, through the messages and texts they sent each other from day one. It's sometimes raw, sometimes sweet, but often shot through with the quirky humour that made them fall in love with each other in the first place.

Debra and Gary are an unlikely romantic pairing. She鈥檚 beautiful, quiet, and thoughtful - he鈥檚 not. They have seen pretty much the best and worst that life has had to offer throughout their first year together.

Despite the ups and downs, the laughs keep on coming in this poignant and funny (honestly!) programme.

A Slaycorp production for 大象传媒 Radio 4