Marco Gottardi and Gloria Trevisan were a passionate young Italian couple pursuing their aspirations in London. They resided in the topmost apartment of Grenfell Tower in West London, having moved to England just a few months earlier, when tragedy struck on June 14, 2017, claiming their lives in a devastating fire.

The couple was found together, having succumbed to smoke inhalation. Like many others who experienced loss in the Grenfell tragedy, the families of Marco and Gloria express their deep frustration over the persistent “lack of accountability” regarding the fire and the prolonged “wait for justice.”

As efforts continue to dismantle the tower, their families have established a foundation in Italy to support young individuals with dreams similar to those of Marco and Gloria, both of whom were architects, ensuring that the memory of Grenfell remains alive.

Marco, aged 27, and Gloria, 26, both hailed from northern Italy. Marco grew up in San Stino Di Livenza, a serene town located near Venice, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and waterways. His mother, Daniela Burigotto, remembered him as “very kind, calm, and loving.” Being an only child, he was “always surrounded by friends.”

Francesca Tolardo, Marco’s childhood friend, described him as someone who “spoke honestly and was always there when you needed him.” According to his football coach, Franco Formentin, Marco was a valued player on the San Stino Di Livenza FC team, noted for being “respectful and kind.” In Marco’s honor, the club now holds an annual tournament. At the Scarpa-Mattei High School, a plaque commemorating Marco, Gloria, and other victims of Grenfell is displayed prominently in the assembly hall.

Valeri Valeria, one of Marco’s former teachers, reflected on him as “a bright student who radiated joy in his eyes.” Gloria Trevisan grew up in Camposampiero, a town close to Padua. “Marco and Gloria’s funerals took place within days of one another,” stated Gloria’s mother, Emanuela Disaro. “It was a double anguish.” Her father, Loris Trevisan, described her as a “determined” and “focused” individual who had a close bond with her family, including her brother Julio. They also remembered Gloria as having a true “talent” for art and design.

At Modigliani Technical College in Padua, a lecture hall has been dedicated to Gloria and Marco. Retired lecturer Ruggero Guariento recalled, “Gloria was meticulous; she conducted herself more like a professional than a student.”

After pursuing their studies at the esteemed International University of Architecture in Venice, where they both graduated with outstanding results, Marco and Gloria aspired to kick-start their careers in London, moving into flat 202 on the 23rd floor of Grenfell Tower. Marco’s father shared his impressions of the tower, asserting, “It was stunning—both outside and inside—situated in a wonderful neighborhood.” Daniela, Marco’s mother, remembered the “marvelous” views from their apartment, telling Gloria, “You don’t need to go out; the whole world is at your feet.”

On the fateful night of the fire, the upper floors of Grenfell Tower were the most lethal. The fire erupted just before 1:00 AM BST in an apartment on the fourth floor, quickly engulfing the building’s cladding and reaching the roof within thirty minutes. Residents who dialed 999 were advised by the London Fire Brigade to stay in their units. For two agonizing hours, Marco and Gloria contacted their parents until they could no longer reach them.

The “stay put” protocol was only officially lifted at 2:47 AM, but by then, thick black smoke had filled the corridors. “They urgently pleaded with the firefighters to enable their escape,” Daniela recalled. “But by the time permission was granted, it was already too late.” Gloria’s mother expressed her profound anger over that night, saying, “I hope things have changed so that evacuation is mandatory in any fire situation and not left to chance.”

Loris Trevisan shared, “Every moment, I carry her memory in my thoughts and heart. She fills my mind from morning until night.” Marco Gottardi and Gloria Trevisan were interred in their respective hometowns, with the phrase ‘Insieme Per Sempre’ (‘Together Forever’) inscribed on Marco’s gravestone.

“They were truly good people who believed in London,” stated Marco’s father, Giannino Gottardi, “with clear visions of how to realize their dreams.”

With the endorsement and support of Gloria’s family, Marco’s parents established a charitable foundation named Grenfell Love, aimed at assisting aspiring architects through scholarships and bursaries. The families also participate in conferences attended by architects, engineers, and builders to foster awareness regarding building safety in Italy.

Grenfell Love has made a positive impact on various local schools throughout the Veneto region, including institutions Marco and Gloria once attended. At Marco’s former secondary school in San Stino Di Livenza, a new computer lab has been set up, while Gloria’s old primary school benefited from a sensory room designed to support children with special needs. Additionally, architecture students in Venice received bursaries to aid their thesis research.

“It’s vital to not only remember the tragedy but to celebrate the dream,” Professor Sara Di Resta emphasized.

Although the families’ initiatives in Italy have sparked hope in the aftermath of Grenfell, they express skepticism regarding the pursuit of justice in the UK. “So many parties are involved,” lamented Gloria’s father. “Public agencies, large corporations, multinational entities. I’m uncertain that anyone will face repercussions.”

Gloria’s mother added, “It feels as if they are intentionally prolonging proceedings to avoid holding anyone accountable.” Marco’s mother Daniela voiced her frustration over the fact that many involved entities continue functioning “as if nothing happened.” “It’s incredibly difficult for a mother who has lost her most cherished possession to accept that, eight years later, there have been no consequences.”

Marco’s father remained hopeful, stating, “We want to have faith in the English justice system. We understand the process may take time, but we hope it will be thorough enough to bring the guilty to justice.”

Over the next two years, plans are in place for Grenfell Tower’s demolition. During this period, the Metropolitan Police is finalizing their investigation. Theoretically, criminal trials could begin once the tower is no longer part of the skyline. For some, the tower has been an ongoing source of trauma, while others argue it should have remained until justice for the victims was secured.

Gloria’s family has visited the Grenfell Tower site and understand why some individuals perceive the tower’s demolition as sacrilege. Emanuela remarked that it was challenging to look at. With the building coming down, she emphasized, “We want to make sure Gloria and Marco, along with the other 70 victims, are honored.”

Further efforts are underway to plan and establish a memorial at the site of the tower. Francesca expressed the hope that its design will be a dignified tribute to the tragedy and the lives lost. “As the Grenfell Love foundation, we’ve always known the tower had to come down. We envision perhaps 72 trees or columns, and a water feature like a fountain—a symbol opposing the fire.”

While Grenfell Tower gradually fades from the London skyline, the calls for justice and a meaningful legacy and memorial persist.