A year on from the first confirmed Covid-19 related death in Aylesbury
Over 1,000 Covid-19 related deaths have now been registered in Bucks
Last updated 18th Mar 2021
Buckinghamshire has now recorded over 1,000 covid-19 related deaths.
On March 18th 2020 the first Covid-19 related death was registered in Aylesbury Vale.
Since then, across Buckinghamshire, 1,126 Covid-19 related deaths have been reported.
One of those is Bucks resident Debbie's father who died in early April after being hospitalised for coronavirus.
Shortly after she set up Covid-19 Families UK, an organisation that now has 38 groups across the country with partner groups in Wales and Scotland:
"It is kind of like my dad has left a legacy?
"Through his passing we have been able to help over 3,000 other bereaved people.
"It has been heard work, it is relentless but its been rewarding.
"But in a way it saddens me that the groups have been successful as they have been, because it means there is an awful lot of pain an heartbreak.
"Mostly I am proud though, that we have been able to be there for people so they know they can speak up."
The groups were founded not only to provide support but to help with advice on the logistics that are involved when a family member or friends dies.
Restrictions around funerals were constantly changing, local providers were given guidelines and restrictions but the line between them blurred at times.
Debbie says that seeing people help others in their most difficult time was amazing, but also frustrating as often the bereaved felt like they were forgotten.
Debbie's groups are working with Marie Curie to mark March 23rd with a #Dayofreflection.
A minutes silence will be held at noon, along with local landmarks across the country being lit up in yellow to remember those who have died during the pandemic and those who mourn them.
Covid-19 Families UK is planning events in June though, to mark the ending of this current lockdown and pay their respects to anyone who died during the pandemic.