A MINUTE’S silence will be held at noon today – a year after the beginning of the first coronavirus lockdown in this country on March 23, 2020.

Prince Charles will lead the National Day of Reflection with a recorded message, urging people to pause to remember the losses suffered, and the pain endured, as well as to carry forward into the future the resourcefulness and the higher values demonstrated during a year of immense challenges.

Charities, religious leaders, public sector bodies, emergency services, political groups, businesses and organisations around the country are supporting today’s Day of Reflection, which was initiated by Marie Curie.

In Cornwall, residents and staff at Cornwall Care will be taking part in a day of commemoration and activities.

Sue Aldridge is manager of Penberthy care home in Newquay. Having lost both her mother and brother to the Covid virus during the first lockdown last year, she knows only too well how terrible this pandemic has been.

“As well as taking time out to remember, we want the 23 March 2021 to be a happy, positive day,” she said. “That’s why we’ve organised an activity at Penberthy that’s about filling our garden pots with flowers for the summer.”

Landmarks and buildings will be lit up yellow this evening “as a beacon of hope and solidarity” and at 8pm, people are invited to stand on their doorsteps with candles, torches, or mobile phone lights, in remembrance.

A Marie Curie spokesperson said: “We hope the day will bring the whole of the UK?together to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.

“Everyone is invited to appear on their doorsteps for a second minute of silence at 8pm, to show support and solidarity for the millions of people who have been bereaved in these incredibly tough times.”

Liam Meyer from Newton Abbot, founded the support group ’Alone Together’ after his own dad died with coronavirus on 29 March. Liam is supporting the National Day of Reflection. Liam said:

“Losing dad last year came as a huge shock but I don’t think you’re ever prepared to lose a loved at the best of times. Not been able to give dad the send-off that I felt he deserved due to restrictions and not been able to physically be with my family gave me the strength to create the support network Alone Together for others that were struggle after losing a loved one to COVID.”

The South West Marie Curie Community Fundraising Team have been taking part in Step into Spring - a 10,000 steps a day challenge, through the month of March. On the National Day of Reflection, the team will be upping their steps to 126,000, taking one step in memory of every person who has sadly died due to coivd-19. Seven members of the team, including Devon’s Community Fundraiser Connie Thomas, will walk 18000 steps each that day, to reflect on our nation’s collective loss and show solidarity to every person who has been bereaved during the pandemic, who regardless of the cause, will have been grieving in difficult and challenging circumstances. The team are raising money via their Just Giving page.

To find out more about the National Day of Reflection visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection