National Day of Reflection marked around the UK

People across the UK marked the National Day of Reflection today (23 March 2022), on the second anniversary of the first UK lockdown.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales paid a special visit to the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast, the minute's silence was held in communities and workplaces as well as the devolved parliaments and government buildings, and many people connected to remember those who have died and support the millions of people who are grieving.

Over 400 organisations took part in the day including the London Ambulance Service and other emergency services, schools, charities, businesses, institutions, community groups, the Bishop of London and other faith leaders and bereaved families including Covid19 families UK.

Appearing on Good Morning Britain earlier today, Marie Curie Ambassador Jim Carter, who was taking part in the Day of Reflection, urged people to: "take a minute to reflect on what's passed and what they want to go forward to". He added: "I hope that is true, that compassion is one of the legacies [of the pandemic], that we do look out for each other a bit more and inject a bit more empathy back into the world." He also encouraged people to "think about what the pandemic has meant to them and people that they have lost."

Activity continues this evening with buildings lighting up. In Cornwall, people will gather at Marazion at 8pm to shine a light and have a photo on the beach in front of St Michael's Mount which will be lit up yellow. A poem will be read by Marie Curie Nurse, Kathryn Bowman.

Matthew Reed, Marie Curie Chief Executive, said: "We are incredibly proud, as the UKs leading end of life charity, to have led the nation in another poignant and much needed Day of Reflection.

"I was moved to see people share cherished memories and celebrate the lives of loved ones. The legacy of the last two years is compassion and helping to heal the grief."

Activities across the UK included:

Manchester
Ahead of midday and holding the minute of silence, a group from Covid Bereaved Families created a yellow and red heart chalk display in St Peter's Square. They also added a blue and yellow heart in support of bereaved families in Ukraine.

Cardiff
At Cantonian High School Year 9 pupils created their own wall of reflection and invited Year 7 pupils to help populate it.

Hampstead, London
A number of staff from Marie Curie Hampstead Hospice went up to Hampstead Heath for the minute's silence on Parliament Hill. The hospice chaplain said a few words and the Threshold Choir performed. Staff were also giving out daffodils that had been donated by New Covent Garden Flower Market.

Westminster Bridge, Central London
Covid19 families UK tied yellow ribbons to Westminster Bridge and took time to pause for the minute's silence at midday.

Glasgow, Scotland
A Marie Curie representative placed a daffodil wreath at the site of what will become Scotland's Covid Memorial in Glasgow.

For enquiries please contact: Marie Curie Press office on 0845 073 8699 media@mariecurie.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

The National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2022 is a day to connect, supporting the millions of people bereaved during the last two years and remembering the people we've lost. Join the minute's silence at midday and find out more ways you can get involved at mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection

Marie Curie's annual flagship fundraising appeal, the Great Daffodil Appeal is taking place throughout March. The money raised helps to support the charity's nurses, doctors, and hospice staff so they can continue working on the frontline giving expert care to people at the end of life, and their families. For more information on how to fundraise or donate, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

About Marie Curie

Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity. The charity provides essential nursing and hospice care for people with any terminal illness, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK. Marie Curie is committed to sharing its expertise to improve quality of care and ensuring that everyone has a good end of life experience. Marie Curie is calling for recognition and sustainable funding of end of life care and bereavement support.

Please note we are 'Marie Curie' (not 'Marie Curie Cancer Care')

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