Man, 62, who is one half of Britain’s first Down’s Syndrome married couple fighting for life with Covid

A MAN who is half of Britain’s first Down’s Syndrome married couple is fighting for his life with Covid. Tommy Pilling, 62, had been isolating with his wife Maryanne, 49, at home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex during the pandemic. However, Tommy – who also suffers from dementia – has now caught the deadly bug and is […]

A MAN who is half of Britain’s first Down’s Syndrome married couple is fighting for his life with Covid.

Tommy Pilling, 62, had been isolating with his wife Maryanne, 49, at home in Southend-on-Sea, Essex during the pandemic.

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Tommy Pilling, 62, had been isolating with his wife Maryanne, 49, at home in Southend-on-Sea[/caption]

However, Tommy – who also suffers from dementia – has now caught the deadly bug and is in hospital.

In a Facebook post, Maryanne’s devastated sister Lindi Newman wrote: “Our beautiful Tommy has caught Covid while he was in hospital which has then lead to Covid pneumonia.

“The doctors don’t think he can recover from this.

“We are beside ourselves with worry, heartbreak and shock. Maryanne understands 95 per cent of the situation and is currently living with our mum so she has full support.

“Please keep him in your thoughts, heart and prayers. We are lost for words and cannot process what is happening, as a family we are broken.”

Thousands shared their support for Tommy and Maryanne on social media.

CHRISTMAS WISH

Over Christmas, Lindi – who is the couple’s full time carer – asked strangers to cheer them up by sending them festive cards.

They were later inundated with messages and gifts, but sadly Maryanne has had to open them alone.

Lindi said: “They have a huge following on social media so I put a plea online asking for strangers to send a card to cheer them up.

“I never expected the incredible response.

“They have easily received 100 cards or more per day since November 19.

“We have tried to keep on top of how many there is but it is proving impossible.”

Tommy had a fall on December 10 and then caught Covid-19.

Linda said: “I am especially grateful for all the people who have put time and effort into the cards as it has massively helped take Maryanne’s mind off Tommy.

“This is the longest they have been apart in 30 years so it has been very stressful and upsetting.”

Caters News Agency

Tommy had a fall on December 10 before catching Covid[/caption]

Caters News Agency

Tommy and Maryanne were Britain’s first married Down’s Syndrome couple[/caption]