Coronovirus is the biggest global disaster in Modern times. In the UK we have lost over 40,000 lives to this disease, for which there is currently no cure and the number of deaths continues to rise. This has devastated the whole world, the UK, and has left those who are grieving totally heartbroken and bereft. The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult, and emotional times we would ever have to endure in our lives. But dying to Coronovirus has denied those who are ill, or dying, and their loved ones the right to be physically present in their final moments of life. Funeral numbers have been extremely limited due to the measures and restrictions, which permitted only immediate families /friends to attend, not the send off we would have envisaged for our loved ones. We have not been able to provide one of the most humane comforting acts of holding hands or giving a hug to those who are ill, dying or grieving. I have experienced this personally as I suddenly lost my brother in March 2020 (though not to Coronovirus).

My hope and wish is to create 19 memorial sites throughout the UK (19 Being the significant number relating to Covid 19). The sites will provide an eternal living memorial, a focal point, place of comfort and solace to those grieving for the loss of their loved ones. I would like to ensure those friends, family members, acquaintances, we have lost are not in vain, they are not just a number or a statistic.

Being among nature, in the outdoors and walking or exercise can be extremely therapeutic and have positive benefits for physical, mental and emotional well being. My vision is that the memorial sites are outside, in urban or rural locations, but include plants, flowers or gardens which are symbolic of life as a continued eternal living memory. This will enable people, communities, and hopefully those who have been most closely affected to come together in the designated areas to support each other and I hope they would be actively involved to help plant bulbs and create these living memorials and in doing so start to rebuild their own lives. I sincerely hope that it will bring comfort to all who have been affected by this terrible disease, and in particular to help support people and each other through the grieving process.

The first of the proposed memorial sites is a daffodil stroll located in the Eden Valley in Cumbria where I live. The route will be approximately six miles long, meandering through several villages and will be marked by an array of daffodil displays, memorial benches, and sculptures along the way. Whilst this is a stroll it is along country lanes therefore will be accessible on foot or by vehicle, it is not off road. Daffodils are symbolic of the time of year when we started 'Lock Down' in March 2020. People were coming out of their houses to take their daily exercise, and walking in areas where spring flowers were visible throughout the UK. This limited daily exercise routine was was being replicated throughout the world and the UK, and whilst this has felt a particularly socially isolating time, it also brought people and communities together. I personally saw and spoke to people in my village I had never seen before and even just a brief encounter and chat made it somehow feel less isolating.

This leads me to the fund raising and support for this project. The initial funding is for the cost of the daffodil bulbs to mark the way, which is estimated at £6, 300.00 . I understand this is extremely difficult worrying times for us all financially, but I Would be extremely humbled and grateful for any donation you can offer towards this extremely supportive and worthwhile cause.

lots of love and hope

Belinda x