Relatives of those who died as a result of Covid-19 are calling for a permanent memorial to their loved ones in Fermanagh.

One of those calling for a permanent memorial is Hazel Gray, her parents George and Violet Little from Lisbellaw died one month and one day apart in December 2020 and January 2021.

Hazel like many others feels a deep grief for the loss of her parents and also a loss for the many rituals associated with death in this country; wakes, condolences delivered with a handshake or a hug and a proper funeral.

She said: “It’s like [Covid-19] has been brushed under the carpet and all gone away. We are still living with people who are in total denial it ever happened and that it was all fake.

“There is no plan for anyone to do anything, I had put in an online enquiry and spoke to a few councillors and nothing materialised.

“There was always the plan for a permanent Northern Ireland memorial but I think locally something needs to be done in each council area, ideally every village and town would have something.

“I would like there to be somewhere for people to go, to sit and reflect maybe with wild flowers or trees or like a garden of remembrance, something where people can take ownership of and say this is a place where we can gather our thoughts and think of a good memory. All we have is a grave and that’s not a good memory.”

Hazel believes that Northern Ireland is behind the rest of the UK on remembering those who died of Covid-19.

She said: “Through groups I am involved with on social media, [I can see] there are towns and villages in England where people are planting trees and doing things and have been doing this all along while here there is nothing. The Memory Stones of Love [ where a stone is decorated in memory of a person who died of Covid-19] vigil at City Hall in Belfast is the only thing I know going on in Northern Ireland.”

Recognition is one of the key reasons why families are calling for this memorial, Hazel said: “I want people to recognise that these people lost their lives in this war against a virus, some people lived to tell the tale but I lost the two most important people in my life.

“Their names aren’t printed anywhere, any opportunity I get to try and keep their memories alive, I take it.”

Hazel is not alone, others calling for a memorial include Anne Elliott, who’s brother Basil Elliott (79) died in December 2020.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Anne said: “What a shame FODC are not recognising the National Day of Reflection. Lots of Fermanagh people lost their lives to this dreadful disease. I understand that not everyone wants to go public [with their loved ones death as a result of Covid-19] but surely some sort of dedication needs to take place.”

As part of the National Day of Reflection on Thursday (March 23), relatives of some of those who lost their lives to Covid-19 held a short remembrance event in Lisbellaw for their loved ones with flowers, balloons, pictures and music.

Gathered was Arlene Johnston who was remembering her mother,  Una Ellis; Hazel Gray,  who was remembering her parents, George and Violet Little. Also remembering the local couple was their niece, Elizabeth Johnston.

Enniskillen man Basil Elliott was remembered by his sister Anne, and brother-in-law,  Don.

As part of the remembrance event, Don played a rendition of Dana's 'All Kinds of Everything'.

The Impartial Reporter contacted Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and asked if there were any plans for a permanent memorial to Covid-19 victims and in response a spokesperson for the Council said: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has not received a formal request for a Covid-19 memorial either locally or nationally.  In October 2020, the Council did receive a request for tree planting to commemorate those who lost their lives as a result of Covid-19 and this is being progressed in accordance with Council procedures.  Should a request be received for a memorial, this would also be considered in line with Council procedures. 

"The Council illuminated Enniskillen Castle and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh in March 2022 for the National Day of Reflection at the request of Marie Curie, however, no such request was made to illuminate the buildings in 2023."

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