Silence in Remembrance
Thank you to everyone who took part in the nationwide minute's silence today to remember our colleagues and all health, care and other key workers who have sadly lost their lives to coronavirus.
The commemoration included the singing of ballad to the NHS by Professor Charlie Knowles at The Royal London.
Members of the Chaplaincy team introduced the silence beforehand and read the following emotive poem –
We give thanks for the gift of life,
For our families, friends and colleagues,
For many blessings we receive and enjoy,
For all that is good in our lives.
We give thanks for those who fight this pandemic,
Caring for the patients, cleaning floors,
Stocking shelves or simply staying at home
to stop the spread of the virus.
May they continue finding strength to carry on,
And may they receive their reward for the work they do.
We remember those who suffer, the sick, the vulnerable,
those who are scared or lonely today,
May they find courage and see victory in their struggle.
We remember those who grieve,
Who shed tears in isolation and find no comfort,
May they find peace and strength to go on.
We remember all the victims of this pandemic,
who died often alone, not surrounded by family and friends,
our patients, our friends, our loved ones.
Today we especially remember our colleagues in health and social care
who have given their lives in the care of others.
We give thanks for their example
we ask that they are now in peace, rest in eternity,
And are loved and remembered always. Amen.
A wide range of support and resources are available on WeShare for staff who maybe be struggling with struggling with bereavement, anxiety or stress.