I know how difficult it has been for people to say goodbye to loved ones they have lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how deeply distressing this time has been for people across the country.
I am therefore supporting the Marie Curie campaign, on behalf of all my constituents in Carshalton & Wallington who have sadly lost a loved one due to coronavirus, and calling for a national day of reflection on 23 March next year, to mark the one-year anniversary since we went into lockdown.
Marie Curie have informed me that over a million people across our country have experienced a close bereavement since lockdown started, and I know the sadness and grief around each loss has often been made more difficult as many of those bereaved were not able to say goodbye in person, or to comfort each other as we would in normal times
I have written to the Prime Minister to ask him to consider a national day of reflection which would allow the country to unite in memory and collectively reflect, remember, grieve and celebrate the lives of everyone who has died during lockdown and show support for our families, friends and colleagues who have been bereaved. You can read a copy of my letter below.
I have also been in contact with Sutton Council, and I will be working closely with them to explore how we can commemorate those who have died locally, and on options for a memorial here in the London Borough of Sutton.
I should welcome any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions from residents on how they feel we could best do so and, as ever, please do contact me if I can assist on any issue.
