Time to remember lives lost to Covid-19

As we approach the year anniversary of the national lockdown it is right that our community remembers those who have lost their lives to coronavirus.

While there was much fanfare as the 100,000th person in the city to receive the vaccination jab was revealed this week, those who didn’t make it are never far from our thoughts.

As we reveal today, there have been more than 900 covid-related deaths at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust since that lockdown.

Throughout this pandemic, it has always been stressed that these shocking figures are more than just numbers, they are loved ones who leave behind devastated family and friends.

As part of this national day of remembrance, an online service to remember the hundreds of Sunderland lives lost to covid will take place. Stuart Bain, Provost of Sunderland Minster, sums up the feelings of many and is urging everyone to take part.

He said: “We want those who have lost loved ones to know that they are not forgotten and that those who have died are not forgotten. Take time to stop and reflect and remember. These are not just numbers but people, people who have been loved and are still loved."

In the lead up to Tuesday, people are being asked to tie a yellow ribbon round the church railings, or drop off a photo and the name of a loved one at the Minster to be part of a remembrance collage.

As we emerge from this dreadful pandemic, our thoughts are with those who were not so lucky.