Now online: Memorial for Covid-19 victims

A NATIONALmemorial has launched for people – of all faiths, beliefs or none – who have died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

RememberMe is an online book of remembrance, where family, friends and carers of those who have died can leave a message in their honour.

The service is free, and people can include their name, photograph and a short message.

The project was created by St Paul’s Cathedral and has been backed by the Prince ofWales.

To launch the project, choristers of St Paul’s Cathedral recorded a special piece of music to serve as an anthem for the book of remembrance.

It is intended that the Remember Me site will become a physical memorial at the Cathedral. Subject to funding, the memorial will be placed in a new inner porch in the North transept.

The Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Very Revd David Ison, said: “For centuries, St Paul's Cathedral has been a place to remember the personal and national impact of great tragedies, from the losses of war to the devastation of the Grenfell Tower fire.

“We have heard so many sad stories of those affected by the pandemic, and all our thoughts and prayers are with them. Every person is valued and worthy of remembrance.

“We are all experiencing the devastating impacts of Covid-19 across the country and beyond.

“RememberMe is an opportunity to mourn every person we have lost to the effects of this terrible disease, an encouragement to offer compassion and support to those left behind, and an ongoing recognition of the impact of the pandemic on the UK.”

And the Prince ofWales recorded a video message in support of the project.

He said: “This virtual book of remembrance is here to help us remember; not just to recall our loss and sorrow, but also to be thankful for everything good that those we have loved brought into our lives, and all that they have given to others.”

To honour a loved one in the RememberMe project, visit: www.rememberme2020.uk

All those included in the memorial must have been living in the UK. RememberMe will be open for entries for as long as needed.