People called their love “disgusting” and said it would never last. They proved them wrong.

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When Maryanne and Tommy Pilling met, they quickly fell in love. Despite both having Down syndrome and facing prejudice from people who didn’t believe they could have a lasting relationship, they refused to let the doubters stand in their way.

On July 15, 1995, they got married in Essex in front of 250 family members and friends. For the next 25 years, they built a life together filled with movies, restaurants, traveling, family and, most importantly, love.

Then came the heartbreak.

Tommy was diagnosed with dementia in 2014, and the illness eventually became so severe that he sometimes forgot who Maryanne was. His sister-in-law described how devastating those moments were for Maryanne.

Then, in 2019, Tommy became seriously ill with pneumonia and tested positive for COVID-19. Just two weeks later, he passed away at 62.

Maryanne was left “absolutely lost” without the man she had loved for more than two decades.

Their story touched millions around the world — a reminder that love, companionship and devotion can take many different forms. ❤️