Communities across Sheffield remembered lives lost over the past year on the National Day of Reflection.
The 23 March marked the one year anniversary of national lockdown in the UK and churches across Sheffield held a minutes silence to reflect on the lives lost over the past year.
Sheffield Cathedral took part in the National Day of Reflection with a livestream of their ceremony at noon.
From 8pm the building shone a yellow light in support of those bereaved, by any cause, during the pandemic.
Churches across Sheffield managed to open their doors in a Covid-secure way to offer a place for reflection.
Local people were invited to show their support by lighting a candle or tying a yellow ribbon outside.
Oliver Greenough, 19, a University of Sheffield student said: “At university it can be lonely and the National Day of Reflection was oddly a nice way to feel connected again and that you’re not alone.”
St Thomas Crookes church in Sheffield supported the event with a remembrance ceremony in the middle of the day, and a minutes silence at 12 noon.
George Knapp, 22, a student worker at the church said: “For most of the day, the church was open as a communal space for people to remember and pray.”
The church has faced restrictions over the pandemic which limited numbers entering the church. On Tuesday, the sense of community was revived as people came socially distanced to reflect both inside and outside of the building.
Knapp said: “It was really powerful to see people come together.”
The National Day of Reflection was organised by Marie Curie, who aim to make the day an annual event.
Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of Marie Curie said: “The National Day of Reflection gave the nation and communities a moment to remember, grieve and celebrate everyone who has died during this time and show support for our families, friends and colleagues who are grieving.”
“Part of our longer-term work will be to keep encouraging open conservations about death, grief, and the importance of connection after loss.”
