Family creates tribute to coronavirus victims
THE family of a man who died with coronavirus has created a memorial for victims of the disease in a Hinckley park.
John Huckle, from Barwell, died at the age of 74 on April 10, leaving behind his wife Jill and their two children, Jessica Jones and Sarah Gunn.
The trio wanted to create a public tribute to John and others who have died with Covid19.
Taking up a national trend, they have tied yellow hearts to the bandstand in Argents Mead, with names and pictures of lost loved ones on individual hearts.
Around 15 people are featured in the tribute, including a heart for John, while some of the emblems say ‘Covid-19’ or ‘#loveforthelost.’
Jill said: “We want these people remembered as people, not numbers.
“None of us has been able to grieve properly, we have all been left without the normal grieving process.
“You can’t describe it to anybody, what it’s been like, not being able to go out, not having any friends or family around.”
John’s funeral was attended by very few people and there was no wake, so the family are planning another event to give him a proper send off, even if they have to wait until next year.
The dad-of-two worked at furniture company Hammonds before he retired.
He enjoyed family day trips on his canal cruiser and holidaying in Cornwall as well as spending time with his two dogs.
Jessica is a member of the Yellow Hearts to Remember - Covid-19 Facebook group, where grieving families share memories and support each other. She said: “We have had some really positive feedback through the Facebook group. “They all said it was a really good idea, and that they would try and do some things in their area.”
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has also planted a row of yellow flowers in the shape of four hearts, in one of the beds in the Mead.
Jill said: “A lot of people don’t know what the yellow heart means.
“Even if it brings comfort to two or three people, that’s all that matters.”
John had end-stage kidney failure, and since his death his other daughter, Sarah, has been raising money for a charity run in aid of the National Kidney Federation.
She is completing a 150-mile challenge to raise funds for the good cause, by cycling, running and walking around Stoke Golding, where she lives.
She said: “My inspiration for this challenge will always be in the spirit and courage of my dad.”
Sarah works as a medicines management pharmacy technician at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
John and Jill were married for 40 years, and he is also survived by two grandchildren.
The tribute in Argents Mead will be in place until the end of August.
The family would like to create a permanent memorial to those who have lost their lives with Covid-19.
If you would like to get involved with the tribute or have any ideas, email Jessica at jaj.89@hotmail.com.
You can donate to Sarah’s charity efforts on her Just Giving page.