The much-loved husband from Britain’s first Down’s Syndrome couple lost his battle to COVID-19 recently.
62-year-old Tommy Billing from Southend-on-Sea in Essex died from the deadly virus, leaving many in tears. This includes his beautiful wife who didn’t know how to respond to the heartbreaking news.
According to media reports, watching her 62-year-old husband died was the most painful event for 49-year-old Maryanne. And now, she feels completely lost about her position in life.
The duo garnered fame and love from so many citizens in the country and around the globe. Their love story went viral, setting a true role model for others suffering from Down’s Syndrome. For this reason, the sudden demise of Tommy brings tears to so many people’s eyes.
Tommy Billing passes away from Down’s Syndrome
Tommy Billing and his wife Maryanne were a part of the United Kingdom’s history. To be more specific, the pair were Britain’s first married Down’s Syndrome couple.
His wife explains how he suffered from a severe chest infection that forced doctors to hospitalize him. However, news agencies explain how he contracted the deadly Coronavirus while he was there. He was previously shielded for 10 months.
Meanwhile, Maryanne’s devastated sister, Lindi explains how she is taking care of Maryanne after Tommy’s death.
Today, she developed the courage to speak out to the media. And that’s when she shed light on Tommy, paying her respects to her incredible brother-in-law. She described him as a ‘one of a kind’ personality with a heart of gold.
‘He was one of a kind’- explains the family
Tommy was famous for his beautiful and loving nature. There was truly none like him, explain loved ones. 33-year-old Lindi says that she’s so grateful that he walked into all of their lives and showered them with positivity.
Currently, both sides of the family are in utter and complete shock. “Tommy will always stay in my heart forever,” she explains. “I’m also so glad my mum unofficially adopted him and took him on board as my sister’s husband,” she explains. Clearly, Tommy was no less than a loving member of the family.
A love story that words fail to describe
Other news agencies confirmed how the love birds, Tommy and Maryanne never stayed apart for more than a few hours. Maryanne can’t even recall her life without Tommy. And that’s how positive of an impact he had on her.
The day she met him, there was this huge smile across her face. Moreover, she simply couldn’t stop talking about him. Today, Maryanne is utterly shattered and shocked. At one point in time, she’s hysterical. On the other extreme, she will be fine. Soon, she starts crying again, and it’s so hard for all of them to cope with this struggle.
After contracting COVID-19, Tommy’s condition began worsening. He also got pneumonia which made things worse. And then on January 1st, he died, leaving so many well-wishers in tears.
Heartbreaking details come forward
As Maryanne’s caretaker, Lindi explains how it’s so cruel and unfortunate how everything took place so fast. The fact that Tommy got the virus from the hospital meant that he had no choice but to go in for the treatment.
In addition, Lindi says she will cherish all the memories she had with Tommy. Whether it was cinema trips or short visits to the zoo, she accompanied the couple. Moreover, he would thank her for taking the Down’s Syndrome couple out for fun.
“Even on days when I looked horrendous, he used to compliment me,” she explains. Undoubtedly, he was a true gentleman that loved all of those around him. And ever since he tied the knot in 1995, the couple lived independently.
The hospital staff who treated Tommy at the COVID-19 ward, also mentioned how great of an individual he was. They all spoke highly of him and his beautiful heart. For this reason, both strangers and loved ones feel his loss, simultaneously.
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