Overgate one of several hospices in Yorkshire to commemorate one-year anniversary of first lockdown

A Day of Reflection will be held across the UK on Tuesday, with a minute’s silence and a national doorstep vigil due to take place to mark the anniversary of the UK’s first coronavirus lockdown.

Hospices across Yorkshire and beyond will mark the occasion by lighting up their gardens at 8pm, joining hundreds of thousands of people from across their local communities to reflect on the challenges faced and the loss we have all felt over the past year.

Overgate Hospice, The Kirkwood, The Prince of Wales Hospice, Wakefield Hospice and St. Leonard’s Hospice in York will all take part, joining with local people to reflect on the impact the pandemic has had across our region. It’s also a unique chance to recognise and pay tribute to those who have died or been bereaved through coronavirus.

Marie Sullivan, Deputy Director of Clinical Services at Overgate Hospice, said: “As we mark the first anniversary of the first lockdown, at Overgate we wanted to take some time to recognise the impact the pandemic has had on our community.

“Like many charities, Overgate has had an incredibly difficult year but last March we turned to our community to help us through and the response from you has been nothing short of phenomenal and we want to say thank you. Your support has meant that we have been able to continue to care for your friends, families and neighbours when they needed us most, shielding them from the chaos outside. On their behalf we want to offer our heartfelt thanks.

“We know that as a community we have all faced huge challenges in the last twelve months, both professionally and personally, and we know so many have lost loved ones in the most difficult circumstances.

“On Tuesday evening we will join together with colleagues in other hospices around Yorkshire to remember these people and reflect on this tough year. As we light our Light Up a Life tree here in the Hospice grounds we hope it stands as a beacon of hope, that brighter days are ahead.”