North Ayrshire's Provost supports charity's special day
Posted on 29 Feb 2024
North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson is calling on everyone to remember those who died during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Provost Dickson is supporting the Marie Curie Day of Reflection on Sunday, March 3 and would like as many people as possible to take a moment out of their day to think about anyone who lost their life during the pandemic.
This is the end-of-life charity’s fourth Day of Reflection, and as well as remembering everyone who died during the pandemic – regardless of the cause – it also aims to support the bereaved and help connect families, friends, colleagues and communities.
Provost Dickson said: “Many of us will have lost a loved one during the Coronavirus pandemic, or know someone who suffered a bereavement.
“The pandemic had an impact on people’s lives in so many ways, and countless people suffered great loss when loved ones passed away during it.
“It will take some time for us to measure the long-lasting effects of Covid, especially for those who suffered a bereavement.
“This is why I am supporting the Marie Curie Day of Reflection, which encourages us all to take a moment out of our day to think about those who lost parents, partners, children and friends.”
You can get involved by holding a minute’s silence at noon on Sunday, writing the name of the person you’re remembering on a special Marie Curie petal or by mentioning someone on social media using the hashtag #DayOfReflection and tagging @MarieCurieSCO
Jane Murray, Bereavement Services Manager at Marie Curie, said: “The pandemic was a devastating time of loss where people's normal traditions and death rituals couldn't take place or were altered in some way.
“For a great many, this made their grief either delayed or more complicated and put millions at risk of needing formal grief counselling.
“Today, that sad legacy continues. We still support new clients who were impacted by the pandemic, and I predict this will continue for years to come.
“Building a new life without a person you love is a life-long process. I hear first-hand how important the Day of Reflection has become. Time, space and reflection is an essential part of the grieving process.”
Find out more here Day of Reflection 2024 | Marie Curie and download a petal here www.dayofreflection.org.uk
Our photo shows Provost Anthea Dickson supporting the campaign at the charity's Saltcoats shop with manager David Montgomery and volunteers.