A memorial of hearts for Covid-19 victims
Lottie Macro discusses the importance of remembering everyone we have lost to the virus.
Due to the devastating effects of Covid-19, the death toll has been significant, with the official toll of those who have died with the disease on their death certificate now almost at 150,000. A year on from the first lockdown, people have found a way to remember those we have lost to the virus.
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament, a National Covid Memorial Wall of Hearts has been created. It is a mural of nearly 150,000 hearts that is being painted by friends and family of those who lost their lives to Covid-19, with each heart representing someone in Britain who has died so far. When the wall is finished, it is expected to stretch more than half a mile.The mural painting began on Monday 29 March and it is expected to take several days to complete. This process is happening safely with social distancing measures in place and Covid-19 restrictions being adhered to. The organisers hope that the Government will support their plans to create a memorial that is more permanent, since they didn't seek permission from the council to create this memorial - however the organisers have stated that they will clean the wall if they are asked to do so.
Although this wall is located opposite the Houses of Parliament, the organisers of the wall (the campaign group 'Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice') have said that the Memorial Wall is not intended to be "political or antagonistic" but it provides a "visual representation" of the lives we have lost. Politicians including the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, have visited the Memorial Wall.
Remembering those we have lost to the virus is important and having a memorial, as well as a national minute of silence to mark a year on from the first lockdown, is a way of showing solidarity, compassion and community. The vast majority of us will know someone who has been a victim of Covid-19 and although the death toll is overwhelming in number, we must make sure that we remember that behind each number is an individual.
Lottie Macro, Year 12
Due to the devastating effects of Covid-19, the death toll has been significant, with the official toll of those who have died with the disease on their death certificate now almost at 150,000. A year on from the first lockdown, people have found a way to remember those we have lost to the virus.
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament, a National Covid Memorial Wall of Hearts has been created. It is a mural of nearly 150,000 hearts that is being painted by friends and family of those who lost their lives to Covid-19, with each heart representing someone in Britain who has died so far. When the wall is finished, it is expected to stretch more than half a mile.The mural painting began on Monday 29 March and it is expected to take several days to complete. This process is happening safely with social distancing measures in place and Covid-19 restrictions being adhered to. The organisers hope that the Government will support their plans to create a memorial that is more permanent, since they didn't seek permission from the council to create this memorial - however the organisers have stated that they will clean the wall if they are asked to do so.
Although this wall is located opposite the Houses of Parliament, the organisers of the wall (the campaign group 'Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice') have said that the Memorial Wall is not intended to be "political or antagonistic" but it provides a "visual representation" of the lives we have lost. Politicians including the Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, have visited the Memorial Wall.
Remembering those we have lost to the virus is important and having a memorial, as well as a national minute of silence to mark a year on from the first lockdown, is a way of showing solidarity, compassion and community. The vast majority of us will know someone who has been a victim of Covid-19 and although the death toll is overwhelming in number, we must make sure that we remember that behind each number is an individual.
Lottie Macro, Year 12