'The last year has been one of great sorrow' - Tameside remembers lives lost to Covid

The Union Flag at Dukinfield Town Hall is at half-mast as Tameside remembers all those who have sadly lost their lives to Covid.

The building on King Street is also floodlit in yellow – the colour symbolising grief – on the National Day of Reflection on Tuesday (23 March), led by charity Marie Curie, marking a year since the first coronavirus lockdown took effect.

Across the borough, people and communities have been reflecting in their own way and are encouraged to shine a light in their window or on their doorstep at 8pm tonight to show their support for anyone who has suffered a bereavement because of Covid-19.

Cllr Brenda Warrington, the executive leader of Tameside Council, said: “When we celebrated the start of 2020 I don’t think any of us could have imagined the tragedy that was about to unfold across the world.

“The last year has been one of great sorrow, with so many people lost, and many people still suffering in so many ways. It’s important we take time to reflect, remember and honour those lost and I extend my deepest sympathies to anyone who has lost a loved one.

“We can also look back on the year with immense pride. Beyond the selfless dedication displayed by the NHS and other key workers, people have shown a tremendous spirit in coming together to support each other against the virus. We always knew that Tameside had a strong sense of community but the response to the pandemic has shown us just how powerful that can be. My heartfelt thanks go out to all those who have played their part, protected themselves and protected and supported others.

“I’m convinced better times lie ahead. It’s my fervent belief that we have endured the worst and are finally nearing the end of this long and challenging period. Let’s keep doing what we do best and look out for our communities so we can start to see a return to more normal ways of life.”

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper