SINGER Sir Tom Jones, actress Alison Steadman and Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter are urging Silhillians toto come together and remember those who have died during the pandemic on the anniversary of the first national lockdown.
The third annual National Day of Reflection, led by end-of-life charity Marie Curie, on March 23.
The charity hopes the day will bring the whole of the UK together to reflect on the nation’s collective loss, support those who have been bereaved.
The day will see hundreds of public Walls of Reflection go up across the UK including at schools and workplaces where people can gather to reflect on their grief and support those who have been bereaved and a national minute’s silence will be held at midday.
Actress and Marie Curie ambassador Alison Steadman OBE said: “I’m supporting Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection because like most people, I have experienced grief and loss, and I know what it’s like to be alone. It’s absolutely awful, and it’s sad, and we need people to talk to. That’s why this National Day of Reflection is going to be so important for everyone to share their grief, and to be able to talk.”
Marie Curie launched the National Day of Reflection in 2021 as a day to remember those who died during the pandemic, and support those whose grief was affected by lockdown.
Over 850 organisations took part in 2022, with a number of public figures supporting including His Majesty King Charles III.
Now in its third year, a series of new free online events will be held on Saturday 18 March and throughout the day on March 23 giving people more ways to connect with others.
Jane Murray, bereavement services manager at Solihull’s Marie Curie Hospice said: “This year’s National Day of Reflection will be the third; a day where anyone who has been bereaved, no matter how long ago or the cause, will come together to remember loved ones who have died.
“The national outpouring of grief following the death of Queen Elizabeth last September was palpable. People who themselves had been bereaved personally were united and used that time to grieve for their own loved ones.
“It was acceptable and encouraged. This moment highlighted the fundamental absence of this kind of collective grief support in our society, and the importance and need to have an annual National Day of Reflection.”
To find out more, and to start planning a Wall of Reflection click here.
