Grieving relatives back Portsmouth memorial for those who died from Covid-19

Loved ones believe the Portsmouth City Council led project is a ‘fantastic idea’ that will offer a ‘focal point’ to remember those who were taken by Covid-19.

The city council was due to vote today on establishing a new charitable organisation to support the ‘anticipated’ public demand for a memorial following.

Once the organisation is set up, a public consultation will be held to gauge how city residents would like to memorialise those affected by the outbreak.

But as a concept, it has been well received by those still grieving.

Sarah Merrix, wife of 48-year-old Dom, who passed away in April after suddenly collapsing at their North End home despite appearing to be recovering from the virus, has praised the move.

She said: ‘It’s a fantastic idea. It will be really nice for people to remember those who died from the virus.

‘It will be a place to go for quiet time with my daughter Ellie-Mai.

‘I know nothing has been decided yet but it will be good to have a focal point. I’m overwhelmed by it.’

Former police officer Lesley Meenaghan, 53, although based in Gosport, also welcomed the move for a memorial.

Her mother Ann, 78, of The Anchorage, in Gosport, tragically died on April 9 after contracting Covid-19.

Ann's husband of 55 years Ron, 73, never got to say a final farewell.

Lesley told The News: ‘On Thursday, March 26 my mother was taken to QA Hospital. She had contracted Covid-19.

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'She passed away on April 9. My father never got to say goodbye as he was also dreadfully unwell with Covid-19.

‘One of the hardest aspects of this pandemic is not being able to see our loved ones.

‘A memorial would give the community a place to go together, once more to remember those we have lost.’

Councillor Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council’s city development cabinet member, said: ‘At this stage we’re just making sure there’s everything in place to enable fundraising to happen to provide a memorial the public would want to support.

‘We will ask the public what they would like to see and there are no ideas at this stage about what we would have as the crisis is ongoing.

‘But we are aware the public will want us to recognise the seriousness of this and memorialise the role of the key workers and the health care workers.

‘It’s also to remember the families who have felt the effect of it whether they’ve been kept apart during lockdown or if they’ve lost a loved one.

‘Everybody in the city has had a different experience, everyone has been affected everyone in a different way, and everyone can contribute to this in a different way.’

As reported, 229 people have died at Queen Alexandra Hospital from Covid-19.

The plans for the organisation were due to be discussed at a culture, leisure and economic development meeting today.

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