London Blossom Garden: opening of the Covid Memorial in East London UK News

A “living memorial” to Londoners who lost their lives to Covid-19 was unveiled today in east London by Sadiq Khan.

The London Blossom Garden at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford will commemorate Londoners who died during the pandemic, with 33 trees in bloom to represent the 32 Boroughs of London and the City of London.

On the occasion of the park’s opening today, the Mayor of London also announced the launch of a bereavement support program which will orient Londoners towards advice and support and which will begin with a campaign to raise awareness of the public.

Sadiq Khan said: “This new public garden is a living and enduring memorial in recognition of the impact Covid has had and continues to have on our city. It is a gathering place to remember the more than 19,000 Londoners who tragically died, to reflect on our own experiences with the pandemic, to highlight how this virus has had a disproportionate impact on many of our communities and to pay tribute to the ongoing efforts. of our main workers.

“This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for Londoners as we battle the virus, and I want everyone who has suffered a loss to know that there is support available to them. Nothing will make it easier to lose someone you love, but we want Londoners to know they are not alone. We are here for you, as a city. ”

Details of the ‘Remembering Lost Londoners’ campaign, as well as links to advice and support are available on the Thrive LDN website.

The London Blossom Garden is the second memorial to the victims of Covid-19 to be located in London, joining the National Covid Memorial Wall near Westminster which commemorates all those who have died in the UK from the virus.

There is also currently a campaign to have a permanent memorial to the victims of Covid-19 inside St Paul’s Cathedral, while the London Assembly voted unanimously earlier this year in favor of the support. of an emergency services cenotaph in London to pay tribute to the NHS and emergency service workers.