Covid-19 memorial unveiled in Aylesbury Vale
Westerleigh group has launched memorials across their sites to commemorate those lost to Covid-19
Last updated 17th Aug 2021
The public are now able to visit the Covid-19 memorial in Aylesbury Vale Crematorium.
The memorial was unveiled at a launch event at Westerleigh group’s Buckinghamshire site after a year of planning.
Their mission was to dedicate the memorials in their Gardens of Remembrance at most of their sites across the 35 facilities they own across England, Scotland and Wales.
The group announced the initiative over a year ago and projected the idea as somewhere people could visit to commemorate their loved ones who they had lost during the pandemic.
They opened up ideas to the public and chose 6 winners whose designs were then etched onto the memorial stones.
Westerleigh Group has said:
‘The obelisk at the memorial in the Aylesbury Vale Crematorium features a design which was created by retired nurse Angela Moran-Sharpness. Her design depicts a pair of forget-me-nots with foliage.’
After inviting all members of the public to send their designs in, there have been some in particular that have dazzled the community. Children to adults were keen to get involved and have found creative ways of remembering their loved ones.
Retired nurse and carer Angel Moran-Sharpness is aged 70 and was delighted her design was included in the chosen 6. She has said:
“Nature is my inspiration and I thought flowers would be suitable.”
“I was inspired by thinking about people who have sadly died from Covid, and how they mustn’t be forgotten.”
Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive Officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “I’m proud that our Covid-19 memorial is now open for people to visit.
“We felt we needed to do something not only to remember those who passed away but also to honour others who did so many positive and selfless acts to support people and bring their communities closer together.”
““These lasting memorials will provide a tranquil place for people to remember and reflect; where they can seek some comfort knowing that the legacy of those lost is not only being recognised but will be remembered for many generations to come.”