Is a 35yr old getting with a 17/18yr old too bigger age gap?

im 17, and i really like this 35yr old, ive never felt this way about someone, ever before and tbh i think i love him, but im too scared to say anything because i dont want to ruin the friendship we alredy have by making it awkward. im not sure if he has worked out tht i like him or not, becuz to be honest he is quite clever with that sort of things. in a way i would like to get into a relationship with him but im worried tht either he doesnt like me back in the way i like him and what everyone else will say, i guess i should mention, that he is kinda childish, like a big kid and he makes me laff all the time, he has got a great personality, he isnt the greatest looking guy, but his personality makes him perfect in every way, he is also in a wheelchair, tht probs doesnt have any relevants to anything but i feel u need to know everything bout him to see if it would be bad, ive always said since i first found out i really liked him in december 2009, that i would tell hi until i was 18, i see him once a week at a baketball club, and tlk to him most nights over msn. but im not sure tht telling him is a good idea or not. im realy confused in what to do and need some help please :) x