Councillors back Covid memorial day for bereaved families

Last year's memorial event at Hafod y Bwch

Wrexham councillors have unanimously supported Plaid Cymru's motion on behalf of Covid-19 bereaved families.

The motion, submitted by Plaid Cymru councillors Marc Jones and Carrie Harper, called on the council to support a National Day of Reflection this coming March.

Cllr Marc Jones said: "The Covid pandemic feels like a distant memory now - even though it was only six years ago.  Perhaps we’ve unconsciously tried to forget what was a very difficult time for so many people and act as if we’re back to 'normal'. 

"But the reality is that many people cannot forget because Covid affected their lives profoundly - they lost loved ones, they were affected by long Covid or their mental health suffered. I think we’ve yet to see the full impact of the Covid pandemic on a whole generation of children, for example, and that’s why we’ve brought this motion to council today.

"It’s important that we do not forget, that we do remember and that this council shows its full support for those grieving families by endorsing a national day of reflection day here in Wales. We're very fortunate in Wrexham that we’ve got a memorial woods on National Trust land near Johnstown - it’s a lovely spot where people can go to remember their loved ones in peace and tranquility.

"Many families feel frankly abandoned by those in authority and the least we can do is show that we haven’t abandoned them, that we are thinking of them."

Cllr Carrie Harper added: "We've worked with local families who are planning to bring people together in the Hafod y Bwch memorial woodland in March. We were privileged to attend last year's event and there's a determination to make sure everyone is aware of next year's event and is invited. I'm sure the council will play its part in promoting that."

The motion won backing from across the political divide and organisers plan to hold the event at Hafod y Bwch memorial woodland on Sunday, March 22.