Husband from the UK's 1st Couple with Down Syndrome to Marry, Tommy Pilling, Dies of COVID-19

Tommy Pilling, who made history as part of the first couple with Down Syndrome who got married in the UK, has passed on from complications of the novel coronavirus.

The friends and family of Tommy and Maryanne Pilling, the first married couple with Down Syndrome in the UK, have been thrown into a mournful mood after news got out that Tommy lost his life.

The doting husband was said to have passed on following his battle with the novel coronavirus. In the Facebook post shared, a montage that included a collection of Tommy and Maryanne’s romantic photos was shared.

According to reports, Tommy had been fine and strictly adhering to the safety precautions. However, his health was compromised after a hospital visit. In a Facebook post, Tommy’s sister-in-law, Lindi Newman, paid tribute to Tommy, writing:

“Our beautiful Tommy peacefully passed… after a battle with covid pneumonia. Thank you for showing me what unconditional love was.”

Tommy and Maryanne became man and wife in 1995 against all odds, becoming the first Down Syndrome couple to officially tie the knot. Many thought their marriage might not endure, but 25 years in, the couple proved them wrong.

Martin noted that Tommy's death left a huge hole in her daughter's heart, one that can never be filled.

Lindi, in an interview, noted that her sister and Tommy had been able to hold their marriage down due to their trust in each other, coupled with respect and honesty. During their 23rd anniversary, Tommy and Maryanne appeared on “This Morning.”

There they shared tidbits about their decades-long marriage. Maryanne recalled that her wedding day was the best day of her life. She described her wedding dress as she noted that her mom walked her down the aisle.

Her mom, Linda Martin, was present during the interview. She noted that Maryanne ran the remaining few stairs as soon as she saw her husband, and the moment was blissful.

Martin said Tommy's death left a huge hole in her daughter's heart, one that can never be filled. Before marriage, the couple who met at a training center dated for 18 months.

Martin shared that the first time her daughter met Tommy, she had a big smile on her face and did not waste time before inviting him over for dinner. After marriage, the couple lived close to the Newman family.

Tommy and Maryanne's story inspired many and gave hope to people whose children or grandchildren have Down Syndrome, assuring them that love was not impossible. May his soul rest in peace.