Sheffield’s Covid-19 Remembrance Day saw bereaved families come together to remember their loved ones and reflect on a ‘time of silence’. 

Throughout Sunday afternoon visitors created messages and wrote down names on small pieces of fabric to attach onto the Covid memorial willow tree in Balm Green Garden to remember the lives of those closest to them. 

Pete James, 50, is a benefits claimant from Hillsborough who was left traumatised after losing many of his closest friends to the virus.

Speaking to Mr James outside the Town Hall on Sunday he said: “I lost many friends, most of whom were older than me and it left me struggling for a while.

“When that would kick off I often thought to myself; I want to die as well.

“What kept me alive and got me through it was my mum, I couldn’t leave her. I was also lucky not to lose my best mate Andy. We normally talk on the phone at least twice a week, but throughout the Covid era it was every day, and that lasted for three to four years.”

This is the third year that Sheffield has come together to remember those that have passed and offer support to those still grieving since the pandemic began six years ago.

Councillor Safiya Saeed, The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Sheffield spoke at a short remembrance service in Balm Green Gardens at 4pm as people gathered for a moment of reflection.  

She said: “Our theme, one word for love, has brought forward so many powerful expressions and words written in remembrance, in gratitude and in hope.

“As these words now rest upon our city’s memorial, they stand as a collective testament to the love we continue to hold for those who have lost and also for one another.

“Today has been a reminder, not only over grief, but also of the remarkable compassion this city showed during the most challenging days. Sheffield’s strength has always been in people, neighbours, friends, family and communities supporting one another with quiet acts of kindness and resilience.”