National Day of Reflection

Sir,

March is usually a month in our calendar that is hopeful of the spring and summer to come. But this year March holds a different significance,

marking the anniversary of when the UK first went into a nationwide lockdown.

The last 12 months have been challenging for so many and as a charity dedicated to caring for people at the end of their life and supporting bereaved people, Marie Curie has witnessed the impact of the pandemic first-hand. While we can start to see glimmers of hope and lockdown easing, millions of people have been bereaved, many unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones or grieve with the support of friends

and family. That’s why Marie Curie and more than 100 organisations are leading a National Day of Reflection on Tuesday March 23, one year since the first lockdown, to remember those who have died during the pandemic, from any cause, and to show support for anyone who has been bereaved. On this day, we would like to invite your readers to join a minute’s silence at noon. We also hope readers will also take a moment to reach out to someone they know who is grieving and at 8pm to take candles and lights out on to their street for a minute’s remembrance.

As relentless as this crisis has been, it has also shone a light on the courage, resilience and solidarity of the nation. People have put their normal lives on hold for the good of the many. We trust an annual day of reflection will continue to support those who need it most.

To find out more about the National Day of Reflection visit https:/www.mariecurie.org.uk/ get-involved/day-of-reflection

Yours, Andrew Reeves, Principal social worker and bereavement support lead, Marie Curie Scotland.