A six-mile memorial walk lined with daffodils is being planned to connect three Eden villages and help remember those who have been lost to COVID-19.
Tens of thousands of daffodil bulbs will be planted between Low Hesket, High Hesket and Armathwaite and will bloom next spring, marking the first anniversary of the virus which has claimed so many lives and plunged the UK into lockdown for months.
The Eden Valley Daffodil Walk is being planned by nurse Belinda Fox and Eden councillor David Ryland and a Just Giving page set up to buy the bulbs has already raised over £300.
Belinda, who lives in Low Hesket has been working as a nurse on antibody testing in Cumbria, said: “Coronavirus has denied those who are ill, or dying, and their loved ones the right to be physically present in their final moments of life.
“Funeral numbers have been extremely limited due to the measures and restrictions, which permitted only immediate families /friends to attend, not the send off we would have envisaged for our loved ones. We have not been able to provide one of the most humane comforting acts of holding hands or giving a hug to those who are ill, dying or grieving.
“My hope and wish is to create 19 memorial sites throughout the UK which will provide an eternal living memorial, a focal point, place of comfort and solace to those grieving for the loss of their loved ones. I would like to ensure those friends, family members, acquaintances, we have lost are not in vain, they are not just a number or a statistic.”
Cllr Ryland, who represents Hesket and lives in Armathwaite, said the plan had the support of Hesket parish council and would hopefully include sculptures and seating which could become an attractive landmark for people to visit.
“This memorial will be a lasting memorial for all those we have lost and provide somewhere in the countryside for people to come and reflect on what we have all been through. The route is very accessible and is on bus routes, too.
“Hopefully, people and local businesses will get behind this idea and Eden can lead the way with the country’s first memorial site,” he added.
To find out more go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/edenvalleydaffodilwalk or search Facebook for Eden Valley Daffodil Walk.
