Spar backs day to remember victims of pandemic

The National Day of Reflection, spearheaded by end of life charity Marie Curie, is set to take place on 23 March – the anniversary of the UK going into the first national lockdown. Care organisations, charities, businesses, membership organisations, and community groups have committed to support the National Day of Reflection. They add their support to more than 50 MPs and a host of celebrities who are backing the day.

Marie Curie estimates that more than 3 million people have been bereaved since the pandemic began, yet many have been unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones or grieve.

The National Day of Reflection will include a minute’s silence at midday to reflect on those who have died, daffodils placed in windows as a symbol of hope, and online talks featuring people who are bereaved, celebrities and expert panellists sharing experiences and answering questions. At the end of the day, people will stand on their doorsteps with candles, torches or their mobile phones for a minute of silence.

Marie Curie chief executive, Matthew Reed, said: “We need to mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen this year and show support for everyone who has been bereaved in the most challenging of circumstances – be that from Covid or any other cause.

“We’ve had a huge response from individuals, organisations, businesses, schools and groups from across the UK wanting to support the day – testament to how much people need and want to come together.”