A memorial in the form of a wall stretching hundreds of meters, full of hand-drawn hearts, has been set up opposite Britain’s Houses of Parliament. It aims to remember those that have died because of the covid-19.
The memorial is located in Lambeth, on the southern bank of the River Thames and was set up last week by, Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice. It now consists of an estimated 150,000 hearts. Each heart represents someone who has died from the virus in the United Kingdom.
Many who have been grieving heard about the news of the memorial after it was widely shared on social media. They have since visited the site and have been adding to the array of individually drawn hearts, to commemorate their loved ones.
Julie, recently lost her father and heard about the wall through Facebook.
She shared that “It’s very comforting to come here (the memorial) … and it just brings it home just how many people died from Covid.”
Julie was accompanied by her mother, who added that, “it means a lot to be able to come here and do this”.
Julie and her mother are amongst the many that are hoping that this memorial will stand the test of time. Public contributions for the memorial were only open for a week, but volunteers reflect this sentiment.
One volunteer shared that “The response has been brilliant. This is our way of showing love to the people who have lost their lives”.
Despite the positive response, Covid-19 Bereaved Families For Justice have admitted to not acquiring permission from Lambeth council. However, they have said that if the council asks them the to remove the drawings they will comply.