The third Day Of Reflection was on Thursday 23 March 2023 . This is the day of the first lockdown and we remember all > those we lost in the pandemic from Covid and other causes . Covid 19 Families UK chose Liverpool this year to hold their Day of Reflection event on a ferry on the Mersey. > There was a nationwide minutes silence at midday, we observed this at Albert Dock . A pre sailing reception was held in The Liverpool on James Street . Here 50 dignitaries came together with the bereaved. The dignitaries included Baroness Nikki Morgan ( UK Commission on Covid Memorialisation ) , Elkan Abrahamson and lawyers ( Broudie Jackson Carter who represent Covid 19 Bereaved Families for Justice in the Covid19 Inquiry ) , representatives from Marie Curie , North West Ambulance, Royal College of Nursing , fire , police , The Liverpool Interfaith Society, The Liverpool Funeral Directors Association, Liverpool Community Foundation ,McMillan , Covid Aid , Covid Alliance, Mersey Ferries and The Alone Together Choir . > We heard speeches from Debbie Lewis , the founder of Covid19Families UK , Baroness Morgan and Marie Curie . I presented Debbie with a bouquet of flowers for all her hard work organising the event . > We were all given a paper yellow heart to write dedications for our loved ones . The yellow heart is a symbol of loss during the pandemic ( started by the Gompertz family in April 2020 and a Facebook group Yellow Hearts To Remember ) These were all > strung up at the Ferry Terminus Pier Head . We were also given a little pouch of yellow petals . After the speeches we followed a Scottish piper to the ferry terminus at Pier Head . This was a very beautiful and emotional walk . > Once on board the ferry we had a minutes silence followed by the ships horn blast . Then we scattered our petals overboard. We had a 30 minute sail across the Mersey. It was wonderful to meet up with other bereaved families , strangers drawn to each other in our collective grief . Just as we came into dock we sang You’ll Never Walk Alone , a bittersweet moment of reflection as so many had played this at their loved ones funerals . > It was an amazing day remembering our loved ones taken too soon . We will remember them 💛 > > Sioux Vosper - Chair of Covid19Families UK and member of Covid Action Steering Committee >
Sioux Hill: Covid19families-Chairperson
This important event enabled the UK Covid-19 Inquiry to speak to over 100 people present, raising awareness amongst those most impacted by the pandemic about its work and how they can get involved. Around 50 people took paper copies of our Every Story Matters form away with them to fill in, and hearing their stories will enable the Inquiry to understand a fuller picture of what happened during the pandemic so that it can do the best job possible of learning lessons for future. The event provided the Inquiry with a unique opportunity to speak to a wide range of bereaved families and others most impacted by the pandemic, which is so important given that we need to understand those experiences better to be able to learn lessons. The event was so well organised that very little was required from us to be able to speak to so many people.
Covid Inquiry-Every story matters: UK Covid inquiry team
Attending the memorial event in Milton Keynes gave me a great sense of relief that the pain and suffering we and our loved ones all went through is being recognised by the wider community. It helped me to know I am not alone in my grief and I felt a huge sense of love and support from all who spoke and sang at the event. It was truly humbling. It gave me my first ever opportunity to meet with others who have suffered, and to share our stories and sadness. It really is good to know that this event makes sure my mum and all those who lost lives through their cruel deaths isnt ever forgotten, and I cannot tell you how pleased I was to be able to speak to one of the inquiry's representatives directly, as I really have wanted to make sure that the impact of what happened to my mum and the numerous catastrophic decisions that were made is heard directly by them, and also for them to see the full impact of the grief I am left to suffer with. I can only hope my experience gets conveyed back to the inquiry's office, and Baroness Hallett, when they review how their attendance at the event went. Please pass on my thanks to all of those involved in putting on the event, it was very, very much appreciated and needed. Thank you 🙏 Emma
Emma Street-: Attended Milton Keynes MEMORIAL EVENT 03.03.2024
I just wanted to say what an honour it was to come and sing at The National Covid Day Of Reflection on Sunday. It was great to finally meet you! All the members were really moved and it’s clear you’ve worked so hard putting this together. You spoke so eloquently but with passion and you could feel the room respond to your words. The soloist Zoe was fabulous as were all the speakers. We were humbled to be a part of it. If you ever need us again for anything, just let us know and we’d be delighted to support you!
MK Collaboration choir: Lizzie Deane-Choir Director