Sir Mike Penning, Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead, is backing a local campaign to plant a Memorial Tree to remember all those in the Borough lost to COVID-19.
The campaign is being organised by Margaret Sharp who is a carers ambassador for Carers In Hertfordshire and her grand-daughter Jasmyn Saunders.
The campaign has the backing of Dacorum Borough Council.
Margaret said: “As a carers ambassador, I lost friends, neighbours, colleagues and people from the community that I had known and supported for over 20 years. It breaks my heart to know that so many families were unable to say a proper goodbye to their loved ones because of the lockdown restrictions.
“A Memorial Tree would be a focal point for families and individuals to go for a moment of reflection to remember those they lost.
“I am delighted with the early response to this campaign, and I very much hope many people will get involved and contribute. It would be really nice if we could have a bench near the tree for people to use.”
The campaign has already attracted the support of a number of local businesses.
Kishor Patel owner of Nisa Local in Crabtree Lane said: “We have supported many local community projects since 2008 and this is a very worthwhile cause. We are happy to contribute. So many people have been affected by this terrible pandemic and a Memorial Tree will be a great way to remember family and friends.”
Nisa Local’s charity Making a Difference Locally (MADL) has contributed £1,000.
Sir Mike Penning MP said: “I am very happy to support this project. COVID-19 has been an unhappy milestone in all our lives. Many people have lost loved ones and it would be appropriate to have a single place of reflection.
“What better memorial than a tree in Gadebridge Park which has been a place where so many people have been able to briefly escape lockdown?”
A crowdfunding page has been set up, visit it to pledge your support: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/memorial-tree
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