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Covid memorial stone

Date Posted: 3:03 PM on Thu, 4 March 2021 John and Michael standing next to memorial stone

A memorial stone dedicated to the memories of Gedling borough residents who have tragically lost their lives due to Covid has been unveiled in Arnold.

The stone was unveiled by Cllr. John Clarke, Leader of Gedling Borough Council and Cllr. Michael Payne, Deputy Leader of Gedling Borough Council on Thursday (4 March) at the site of Eagle Square, near the main Arnold town centre.

The stone was designed by local masons, D & M Monumental Masons. The stone has been carved and engraved with the words ‘Tomorrow will be a better day’ which were words spoken by the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who had become a symbol of hope for millions of people during this pandemic when he raised over £30 million pounds for the NHS. The stone also contains an engraving that thanks NHS staff, carers and key workers for their work during the pandemic.

In Gedling Borough, so far, 307 people have sadly lost their lives because of Covid since the initial outbreak of the pandemic. In February, on Valentine’s Weekend, the council created a vigil at the council’s office to remember those who have died. 280 candles were placed around the council’s emblem to remember the husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters or partners. Devastatingly, the number of deaths has risen by over 20 since the candle-lit vigil took place.  

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said:

“This stone will be placed in Eagle Square so we never forget the terrible tragedy caused by this pandemic. So many people in our borough have been affected by Covid and we wanted to create a symbol somewhere prominent where people could pay their respects. We also wanted to create something that reminded people that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that one day, this will all be a distant memory. We must make sure we never forget the sacrifices our NHS have made and the toll this has taken on all of us, especially those who have lost a loved one.”

Deputy Leader, Councillor Michael Payne also added:

“All those who have lost a loved one to Covid-19 are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. This memorial stone serves as a lasting tribute to the far too many people lost far too soon. It is also a tribute to our genius scientists, brave nurses and doctors and the scores of carers and key workers who have been there for us all throughout this incredibly challenging time. We also owe our NHS a tremendous debt of gratitude for the rollout of the vaccine, which is offering us all a glimmer of hope - this memorial is just one way of ensuring we never forget the selfless service and sacrifice of all those who work in our NHS.’