A Labour MP has launched a Parliamentary Covid-19 memorial quilt to commemorate the loss caused by the pandemic.
Former Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary Dawn Butler came up with the idea, which has received cross-party support.
MPs, Peers and staff from across Parliament will contribute a personally designed block.
Each block will be sewn together to form a quilt, creating a tapestry of experiences, struggles, loss and love endured during Lockdown.
Ms Butler says the inspiration came after sleepless nights thinking about loss and life, and an urge to commemorate the many stories that might never be otherwise told.
As well as the contributions made, there will be four blocks dedicated to the four members of staff in Parliament who lost their lives to the virus.
Brent Central MP Ms Butler said: “As the anniversary of lockdown neared, I wanted to do something special to mark the most challenging period in a life-time. After the idea came to me I put out a call on social media, I met a wonderful quilter Naomi and after some researching, it struck me just how deep and meaningful a memorial quilt would be.
She added: “This quilt will be about telling a story, of this moment where the world was put on lockdown. It will also show that MPs have often suffered in silence and that no matter who we are, we are connected through our shared experiences.
“And to convey our appreciation and support to every single person who has dedicated their time and energy to help the country through one of its darkest hours, and to commemorate those lost loved ones my quilt block is made from a Christmas hat because Christmas for me was so different instead of 30 family members we had just 4 and I have also remembered my uncle who died with Covid, his Son who died just a few months before and my Father who I know will be looking after them all in heaven.
“Having seen some of the blocks this quilt will be very, very special. We aim to create a book to accompany the quilt which will be auctioned off for charity.“
Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle added: “This is such a wonderful idea that not only brings together our parliamentary community but enables each person to express their feelings in a creative and positive way.
“My own small part of the quilt will reflect our sadness for the much-loved members of staff we have lost, and the families and friends who mourn them.”
The public can follow the progress of the quilt on its Twitter account here.
