As UK marks national day of reflection, survey reveals nearly a third lost a family member

As the UK prepares to remember those who have died during the past year, a poll has revealed that nearly a third of people lost a family member.

New figures, released by end-of-life charity Marie Curie show nearly half of the UK (47 per cent) personally know someone who has died during the pandemic, due to both coronavirus and non-related conditions since March 2020.

Amongst those bereaved since March 2020, 28 per cent of respondents had lost a family member, 26 per cent an acquaintance, 24 per cent a friend while 13 per cent lost a work colleague.

Amongst Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) respondents, a higher percentage had experienced loss (68 per cent) than those who were white (45 per cent). Amongst bereaved BAME people (62 per cent) did not feel they had a chance to grieve or process their grief.

Marie Curie executive director, Meredith Niles, said: "Millions of us have been unable to say a proper goodbye or comfort our family, friends, and colleagues in their grief. With so many of us losing someone close, our shared sense of loss is incomparable to anything felt in our lifetime. We need to acknowledge this and recognise we are not alone.

"Although our losses will be felt for years to come, the National Day of Reflection gives us a moment to reflect on our collective loss, as well as take time to support those close to us, who are dealing with feelings of isolation and loss."

Data from the Office for National Statistics reveal there have been 618,676 deaths from all causes registered in England and Wales between March 21 2020 and the week ending March 5 2021.

Using a measure which estimates every death leaves an average of nine people bereaved, Marie Curie said this could mean more than five and a half million people have been bereaved.

'My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones'

The anniversary of the first Covid lockdown is set to be marked with a national day of reflection on Tuesday 23 March to remember those who have died from the virus.

A minute’s silence will be held at 12 pm followed by a bell toll and people are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8 pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a ‘beacon of remembrance.’

The Prime Minister has said he will observe the minute’s silence privately at noon while it will also be held in the Houses of Parliament.

Boris Johnson said: “This has been an incredibly difficult year for our country. My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, and who have not been able to pay tribute to them in the way they would have wanted.

“As we continue to make progress against the virus, I want to thank people for the sacrifices they continue to make, and hope they can look forward to being reunited with loved ones as restrictions are cautiously eased.”

London’s skyline will turn yellow with landmarks including the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium lighting up at nightfall.

Other notable buildings that will be illuminated include Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall.

Ms Niles added: “Please join us in a minute of silence at 12 noon to reflect on the lives cut short during the pandemic and show those struggling with grief that they are not alone.”

If you would like to know more about bereavement or how to support somebody who has been bereaved click here

click here for more details or to contact Marie Curie Cancer Care