A local man is seeking to hold a candlelit vigil this summer to remember the Perth and Kinross people who have lost their lives to COVID-19 over the past 12 months.
Perth College librarian John Dare’s ceremony would also invite the public to reflect on all who have had their lives deeply impacted by lockdown restrictions.
The idea for the touching tribute came after John (53) sadly lost his wife Mary, a former care officer, in January after she suffered a stroke, where he was unable to visit her in hospital.
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John and his family were initially planning a vigil in her memory on her birthday on July 16, once restrictions are lifted.
But then he began to think of others who have experienced similar loss during these unprecedented times, and hopes to carry out a commemorative ceremony in the summer as well as create a permanent memorial.
He said: “At the start of the restrictions, I did remark that everyone will know someone whose life will be turned upside down as a result of this, not realising that it would hit so close to home.
“There should be something to commemorate everything and everyone people have lost.
“To have something for the thousands that have been affected by this virus would be quite a reassuring thing.
“Not just for those that have been lost due to COVID-19, but everyone who has lost someone during this time and has been unable to properly give them the send-off they deserve due to the restrictions.
“For people who have been unable to attend funerals and who have missed important landmarks.
“We planned on doing it as near to Mary’s birthday as we can but restrictions may mean another date.
“Hopefully we will be able to have our day for the heartbroken.”
John contacted all of Perth and Kinross Council’s councillors to help back his campaign and in return he has received support, with initial talks underway to find a location for the event.
The local authority has stated it will “consider a permanent memorial when the pandemic is over”.
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “We know how much of an impact coronavirus has had on our communities and across the country.
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“Our Lost/Found project launched in November to remember those who have lost their lives and support those who are grieving. Families have been telling the stories of the people they loved and lost and working with professional artists to create memorials to them.
“These will be exhibited later in 2021, depending on coronavirus restrictions, before it tours around the rest of Perth and Kinross.
“Bereaved families are still getting in touch and adding to the memorial.
“Additionally, Culture Perth and Kinross is creating a COVID-19 archive collection to reflect how people and communities have been affected by the pandemic.
“We will consider a permanent memorial when the pandemic is over.”
John would also be interested in hearing from anyone who would like to get involved in the project.
Residents looking to support John can contact him via Facebook.
