Grieving daughter asks Boris Johnson to back Day of Reflection to remember those lost during lockdown

An 18-year-old whose mother’s funeral was cancelled during the UK's coronavirus lockdown has joined over 10,000 people backing a campaign for a National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021 in remembrance of those who have died.

Since 23 March, 1.4 million people are believed to have suffered the death of a loved one according to data from the Office for National Statistics but these people were unable to say goodbye properly at the time as lockdown restrictions were in force.

Now families are joining 50 MPs backing charity Marie Curie's campaign for a National Day of Reflection to take place on the first anniversary of the start of the UK's lockdown - 23 March next year.

'Awful'

Jenny Wilson's mum Karen was 55 years when she died of throat cancer on 17 March and her funeral was meant to be on 23 March.

In a direct plea to Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, Jenny said in a video message: “I lost my mum to cancer. Her funeral was supposed to be on the 23 March but this was the day that lockdown began, so it had to be cancelled.

“We never got to celebrate or remember my mum the way she deserved to be. I was left to grieve for my mum in lockdown, which was awful because I couldn’t get the support from family and friends that I needed.

“A national day of grieving is so important to me and many others who have lost a loved one over lockdown. And it gives them a chance to properly remember those we’ve lost. That’s why I ask you, Boris Johnson, to join me and thousands of others in supporting this campaign.”

Jenny’s video appeal accompanies a letter sent to the Prime Minister today which backs Marie Curie’s campaign for a National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2021.

The charity Marie Curie has been providing care to dying people, with and without coronavirus, and those living with a terminal illness during the pandemic. The charity hopes other organisations will back its campaign by signing its petition to support the bereaved. As England’s chief scientific officer Sir Patrick Vallance has warned “200-plus deaths per day” may occur by November and as local lockdowns continue, Marie Curie now warns 'many people still face grieving in isolation, unable to use their usual support networks'.

The charity fears too many will be hit hard by the 'emotional impact of not being able to give loved ones the funeral or ceremony they deserve'.

Marie Curie chief executive Matthew Reed said: “The support we’ve had so far shows we cannot simply stand by and not recognise the huge effect the coronavirus and lockdown restrictions have had on people who have been bereaved.

"In six month’s time the nation needs to take a moment to come together, to remember, to grieve and to celebrate the lives of everyone who has died in this time.

“As the nation faces the potential of further lockdown measures, we mustn’t forget the thousands and thousands of people who have, and continue to be, bereaved in very difficult circumstances, be that from coronavirus or other causes.”

The 50 MPs backing the campaign include former Conservative cabinet minister Esther McVey, Liberal Democrat Layla Moran, Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell and former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron.

You can share your support on social media for the National Day of Reflection using #UniteInMemory and sign the petition at www.mariecurie.org.uk/nationalday

For bereavement support from Marie Curie call free on 0800 090 2309.

click here for more details or to contact Marie Curie