To mark the COVID-19 Day of Reflection on Sunday 9 March 2025, you are invited to add a tribute or a reflection into our memory book.
The day is an opportunity for us all to remember and commemorate those who lost their lives during the pandemic, reflect on the sacrifices made and the impact on our daily lives, and pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers, researchers and all those who volunteered and showed acts of kindness during this unprecedented time.
The Book of Reflections closed on Sunday 16 March 2025.
The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most challenging times our community has ever faced. It tested our resilience, but it also highlighted the incredible strength, compassion, and unity of Merton residents. I am immensely proud of how our NHS colleagues, volunteers, public service workers, and the voluntary sector came together to support those in need—whether through delivering food, providing care, or simply offering a helping hand. Your dedication and kindness made a real difference, and for that, I thank you.
On behalf of Merton Council, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of the 666 residents of Merton who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These were family members, friends, neighbours, and colleagues – each of whom were a cherished part of our community, and their passing remains a great loss to all of us.
To those who are grieving, please know that you are not alone. Merton stands with you, and support is always available.
Five years ago, the world – and our community here in Merton – changed. While everyone was affected by the pandemic, on this Day of Reflection we particularly think of those whose lives were lost, and our deepest sympathies are with their loved ones. We also today give thanks to those who put themselves at risk to keep us safe, and remember the impact this had on their lives. We will never forget the loss and the sacrifices made. In remembrance.
On this COVID-19 Day of Reflection, we come together as a community to remember those we lost, to honour those who made sacrifices, and to reflect on the resilience and strength shown during an incredibly challenging time.
The impact of the pandemic continues to be deeply felt by so many, and today, we pay tribute to the lives forever changed. Let us stand in solidarity, cherishing the memories of those we lost and supporting those who carry on in their absence.
With deepest sympathy and remembrance.
Remembering Much loved Family lost during this time. Never Forgotten XXXXX
The COVID -19 bought the world to standstill. So many lives lost and due to restrictions many were unable to say goodbye to their loved ones. The emergency services, teachers, food delivery services and many others who risked their lives daily to keep the nation going. Thank you so much for the sacrifice.
Ones we have lost in the battle against COVID-19; you will always be remembered.
The Covid-19 pandemic changed our life’s. The things we once took for granted seeing family and friends was taken away from us. We had a new way of living – video calling friends and family. Queuing outside shops for essentials two meters away from others. Inside the shops had one way systems in place. We all pulled together to keep each safe. We had driveway parties which we distanced ourselves from others. We clapped for nhs staff. All frontline workers put their lives online working longer hours to help save lives. Panic buying and limits on food. Shops selling out of essentials. It’s a time I will never forget.
God Bless all the famlies who lost friends and love ones, and to the NHS staff who helped heal . God Bless.x
The Covid-19 Pandemic was one of the most devastating impact of disease we have ever had during my life time. Our Community in Merton suffered greatly as a result of this terrible disease which came as a surprise to the whole world. My sincere thanks to all those who put themselves at risk to ensure that we are kept safe especially our fantastic NHS Workers. My prayers and thoughts are with all the families in Merton and all over the world who lost loves ones. May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace.
Councillor Edith Macauley, MBE
Cabinet Member for Enforcement & Community Safety.
As we look back on 5 years since the pandemic started, I want to say a big thank you to all the community heroes and NHS staff. Your hard work and kindness really held us together when times were tough. It’s good to remember and honour the strength and caring we saw in our community, as we remember those we lost during that difficult time.
It seems so long ago now and I have definitely forgotten alot of things from that time. I was in the thick of it , working in an East London Hospital but we all pulled together and so many people kindly made us and delivered us food and creams etc. People pulled together as a community and that was beautiful to see.
Remembering everyone who provided much needed community. Thank you x
Thank you to all those unselfish people working in hospitals during that terrible time, who put their care of others above their own needs. And sympathy to the families of those staff who died in the course of their duty. None of you will be forgotten.
My heart goes out to everyone that lost someone and were unable to be with them. All I can say is anyone that I looked after I sat with them and held there hand
Today, we take a moment to reflect on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—honoring those we lost, recognising the resilience of our communities, and expressing gratitude to the frontline workers who carried us through and those going above and beyond to make a difference to peoples lives.
The past few years have challenged us in ways we never expected, yet they have also shown us the power of compassion, unity, and perseverance. As we remember, let us also look forward with hope, continuing to support one another and build a future shaped by the lessons we have learned.
Remembering Cathy Dimmock who worked for Merton council for more than 20 years she is always in our thoughts and hearts .
Remembering my brother
Jaker R McDonald.
Forever in our hearts x x
I’ll never forget how utterly terrifying this was in the beginning. The unknown with young children – both at nursery, then both of us keyworkers.. it felt like it was a waiting game for one of us to bring it home. No offer of help from family, safe in their own homes able to work from there and keep their children safe whilst I was beyond scared of losing my kids or them losing us.
2020 was a very different year. My daughters wedding in April 2020 was put on hold until the following year. I remember waiting with anticipation in February 2021 for the news that weddings could go ahead although only with 15 guess. My daughter had a party the following April 2022 with 150 family and friends. The 2021 wedding day was a very special day and celebration to the beginning of being able to meet up with family and friends.
In memory of our amazing Nan Jean Cooper. We love and miss you so much, thinking about you every single day. Forever in our hearts ♥️ x