Tonteg, Rhondda Cynon Taf – The passing of Anne Hughes, the woman whose viral TikTok moment captivated millions, has left a profound sense of loss within her family, friends, and those who knew her through her unexpected rise to fame. Anne, 73, died just before Christmas 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and joy, sparked by a simple moment that turned her into a global sensation.

In March 2024, Anne, then 72, arrived for her cleaning shift at the Best One store in Tonteg. What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. CCTV footage showed Anne being hoisted into the air by the store’s shutters while still holding on to her shopping trolley. The 31-second clip, first shared on TikTok by the shop, quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and making Anne a reluctant internet star.

Despite initially shying away from interviews, Anne’s warmth, humor, and humility made her an instant favorite with the media. Reporter Matt Murray, who covered the story, formed a close bond with Anne over the course of her newfound fame. He recalls, “She was kind, funny, and always had a laugh at herself, even though she never sought the limelight.”

Her viral moment, especially the footage of her screaming for help while suspended by her coat, brought a smile to millions, with over 50 million views on social media. Anne, who later embraced the attention, even posed for a mural of the moment on the shop’s shutters.