A POIGNANT ceremony took place in Rugby to mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic.
The New Bilton Community Association held a commemoration and dedication of a bench at the Gladstone Green park on the Covid National Day of Reflection.
The bench was installed by the association last year using funds from the Warwickshire Councillors’ Grant Funds.
Association spokesperson Sheela Hammond said: “We felt that there should be a place in New Bilton for residents of Rugby to sit, reflect and remember those lost in the national tragedy.
“We cannot and must not forget the huge loss of life.”
County Councillor Barbara Brown, who officiated at the dedication, spoke movingly of having lost a close friend and mentor, and said it was important to remember those who were lost to Covid.
Junaid Hussain, Chief Executive of the Equality and Inclusion Partnership, spoke of the need to recognise the contribution made by doctors, nurses, surgeons, cleaners and ancillary healthcare staff who form the backbone of the NHS – particularly those from a BME background who were affected disproportionately by Covid.
