Covid-19 - Remembrance, reflection and recognition

We sadly lost our beloved dad to Covid but for all of us it was a blessing he had got dementia and he had to go into a care home he was so funny and always made time for family he went down hill after my mum died and my husband who died before them both but only 2 weeks ago we lost our nephew he sadly took his own life because he had mental health issues this goes out to everyone out there if you find yourself in a bad way please please talk to someone give life a chance and get vacationed let’s do this all together we can beat this

Joyce Cluer Lost to this awful virus after contracting it from Basildon Hospital.. Love you forever mum.. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one to Covid 19..

In memory of Paul Michael Hart, who sadly lost his battle with Covid-19 on 17th January 2021, aged 56. Paul was such a lovely man; kind, generous and with a great sense of humour. A wonderful husband, dad and grandad. Our hearts are broken.

To my partner, Pete Sabine who passed away on 24 June 2020. Love and miss you Pete

In remembrance of my Dad and Sister who passed away within three weeks of each other, both contracted covid after diligently following all the rules. This pandemic is real and can hit any of us, so please follow the rules and do your bit to help our wonderful NHS. We miss you both, you may have left this world but will never leave our hearts XX

Remembering my Gramps Terry Winger, he had been in his care home Runwood homes for a few years and loved it there, all us family loved going to visit him and have a cuppa tea and a biscuit and just hearing the stories x We all miss him so much xx

I would like to say a big thank you to all the nursing staff at Basildon hospital. Even though I did not have covid I was very ill last July when I was admitted. They worked very hard even under pressure. Thank you

In loving memory of my beloved Dad Gerry. Lockdown accelerated his vascular Dementia, he understood what was going on and obeyed the rules but the isolation destroyed his spirit and will to live 😔 The lack of stimulation and spending so much time sitting alone and idle made him grow weak and he deteriorated physically, suffering many falls. He made it out of lockdown, back to his wonderful day centre Silver Birch Wickford, things were looking up, then they found the Cancer 😔 Sadly one fall too many led to a hospital visit, a stroke, then pneumonia on top of the tumour on his lung then finally Covid too at the last minute. Dad had a wonderful life and was loved by many. A cheeky well known character in the community. Many of his friends possibly still don’t know of his passing as he’d been locked away for so long as of cours everything has been closed all year. He was a member of the George Hurd centre for many years. Dad is greatly missed but finally free of the cruel Dementia and suffering. Rest in eternal peace Dad, love Joy & family xx

I found my mum at peace in her bed in May, She did not have the virus and had turned 89 January, she leave 3 daughters who miss her dearly, we will always miss you mum you were a Diamond.

Remembering my lovely who passed on 04/04/20 “ who knows whether it was Coronavirus or not?

Remembering my Beautiful & Precious Daughter Michelle who suffered ill health most of her short life but battled on having had acute myloid leukaemia as a toddler. Unfortunately, the harsh chemo caused an enlarged heart & leaking mitral valve at 12 years old and she had a heart transplant. It was touch & go but her strength carried her through, then in her twenties her kidneys were failing & in 2006 l donated one of my kidneys to her. Again she had the strength to come through another major operation. Last October she had Pneumonia, seemed well after oxygen etc but didn't feel so well. Then in December was coughing, which continued then May this year had breathing problems and went into hospital. She wanted me to come with her but it wasn't allowed. She was treated with antibiotics for Covid-19 even though we both knew she didn't have it and ended up in ITU. Then they found she had fungal Pneumonia after 3 tests for covid returned as negative and lost her fight for life after 12 days. l couldn't be with her even though l begged & pleaded. We were always together, l will never forget the gut aching feeling of not being by her side as l always had been. Michelle l salute you - you are the bravest of warriors. Be at peace now. This was my worst nightmare not being with you, instead you had strangers around you on the day you died. Love you always my precious Girl.

Remembering my beautiful mother Constance Simpson aged 90yrs who lived through the war during her childhood and teenage years in London. She watched my father and eldest brother lose their life's to cancer and my other brother battle with it. She then battled cancer herself twice and suffered with vascular dementia for the last ten years of her life. I cared for her along side working as a community mental health nurse. In her elder years she lived on her own in a warden controlled bungalow. She believed there was nothing wrong with her memory and would argue the toss, bless her. She was a very strong lady and wanted to live to her 100th birthday but alas it was not to be. In March 2020 she had a bad fall after becoming very confused with a UTI. She needed a hospital admission as she had two bleeds on her brain. I spent as much time with her in hospital as possible as I worried so much that she would not understand what was happening. Then COVID restrictions came in and slowly but surly I was not allowed to visit her. She was allocated a social worker and we felt at that time she would be best placed to go into a care home until the virus settled, than get her back home if possible. I was not allowed to visit her, then I received the call 'she is now at end of life care' how devastating was that! I just wanted her home, to care for her and be with her during her last days. With PPE I managed to see her twice before she passed, just hours before she died on the 28th April. I was then not allowed to see her at the Chapel of rest, nor have her dressed in her best but a gown they said she had to wear. I put some of her possessions together and asked they be buried with her. I had always been to see my family at the 'chapel of rest' so not being able to do this was really up-setting. Lockdown meant I was isolated as I live alone. Making arrangements for the funeral kept me busy. A graveside funeral, we had a vicar, book of service, songs - Vera Lyn 'The White Cliffs of Dover and Divo 'Ave Maria', hymns and a tribute to describe my mother life story. I hope we did her proud in these weird times we are living in. Then that was it, no wake with friends and family to make it easier to bear, just go back home alone. It is not the way we wanted my mothers last days to be, its been a difficult year xx

In remembrance of a truly loved lady who so did not deserve this terrible illness. Anette Skeats, you was loved by so many and missed so much by all. A wonderful mother and friend to all she knew. You will be remembered always in everybodies hearts. Xxxxxxx

My beloved husband was taken into hospital on 25th March and passed away on the 13th April, he leaves behind his wife two sons, Grandson, mum and dad. He will be always remembered and greatly missed. Rest in peace

Martyn Cotton we miss you so much . You are one in a million and will always be in our thoughts and our hearts. You were to special for us to keep and now you are at peace looking down on us looking up at you always xxxx

Ann Taylor a loving mum, wife, grandmother, great grandmother & sister. A loyal friend to all who knew her. Mum worked for over 30 years at Basildon hospital & touched many lives, both patients and staff. Mum was taken from us on Easter Sunday as a result of Covid at the place she worked for all those years. We weren't able to be with you in your final moments physically but know we were all there in spirit. You are sadly missed by all. God Bless you.

My beloved mum Jennifer was taken into hospital on 6th May and passed away 9th may 2020, heart failure, kidney failure 8 days before her 70th birthday. Due to this pandemic she died without any of her family there to hold her hand, a lovely nurse let my mum use an Ipad and we FaceTimed. She looked so bright, had colour in her cheeks and she kept asking am I coming up to see her and I had to explain again we can’t. On the Saturday she passed and I’m so thankful to the kind nurse who told me about them having an iPad to FaceTime or I wouldn’t of had the last opportunity to see my mums beautiful face. Due to circumstances we couldn’t have the perfect funeral to give her the send off she truly deserved but did our best. She is truly Loved and missed

In remembrance of Howard Watson, beloved Husband, Dad and Grandpa - A true gentleman and a gentle man. Taken too soon during the pandemic, but forever in our hearts. He was our rock, our strength, and the center of our lives - We miss you every day xxx

In Our Memories You Will Always Remain - Our Brother who Sadly Passed away in April Aged only 54. He will Be Sadly Missed Forever By His Family & Friends. RIP Anthony David Boyle

My step dad Les Mennell, I still can’t believe you were taken from us due to a virus, life can be so cruel 😢 you are so missed and still very loved, you will never be forgotten, mum keeps seeing white feathers she thinks it could be you sending them

In the memory of my beloved brother who was not only a brother rather a friend, a companion and a fatherly soul, someone who always cared for others and acted like a saint. He was a real fighter and has always won, unfortunately lost to COVID-19. He shall always be in our heart xx Love you Bro...

To Steve McGowan's relatives,and also his dearly beloved wife's also,our condolences in this time of tribulation We will persevere,and be stronger in doing so !.

We all miss you so much Grandad. Not being able to see you for the last 5 weeks broke our hearts. We would have gone to any length to be with you and hold your hand. We all talk about you everyday and remember you with so much love. We were so lucky to have you. Sleep tight! 💚💚💚

Alan and Joyce Backham! Married for 63 years! Both sadly died of cancer within 3 months of each other during the pandemic! They always said they wanted to go on the same bus and they did! Much loved and sorely missed by their brothers and sisters, their children Lesley and Mick, their Grandchildren Megan, Abbie, Roxanne and Matt and their great grandchildren, Matthew,Lily and Grace! Their community miss them as well as all of the family and friends they had around them! Together again!

Sadly we lost our lovely mum recently. after battling so hard from numerous health conditions alongside COVID-19. What a strong woman, you fought and fought but now you're pain free mum. My hero, soulmate & best friend. We lay you to your final resting place soon..we're all dreading this day. Fly high beautiful angel xx

In loving memory of Peggy Moore, wish we could have been there to say goodbye. Miss and love you so much. Thanks for always being there xx you will never ever be forgotten xx

Remembering John Rholeader. He was a good friend for around 30 years. He was always kind and accepting. He had a great sense of humour. He was a wonderful Christian who loved his family. His family and friends are still in disbelief after the coronavirus took him. John you are very much missed. God Bless.

In Memory of Fredrick William Edmeades. A Husband, Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad, Sadly passed away in June from COVID 19 aged 89 years old. Now together forever with his wife Pat.

In memory of the best husband a woman could want who always put me first. You lost your fight with the big C during this awful time. Will never get over loosing you. Sleep tight my dear. Love you xxx

In remembrance of a beautiful mother in law, mother and grandmother. We miss and think of you every day with love. Until we all meet again

In loving memory of a wonderful Dad, Grandad, husband, son, brother and friend. Missed so very much, life will never be the same without you. Until we meet again xxx Also sending love to everyone who has lost a loved one xx

In memory of a dear Brother in Law Gerry who passed away sadly after a long battle with cancer. May he rest in peace in the arms of Almighty God.

To all, you will always be remembered with kindness and love.

In memory of my friend and neighbour Annette, who always had a cheerful smile and a positive outlook even through the hard times in life. Thinking of all those who have lost loved ones in these times.

Grateful thanks to everyone working at Basildon Hospital during this time, especially the team in ICU who looked after my husband while he was on a ventilator in April.

I would just like to say a big THANKYOU to all of you have worked through this terrible pandemic, YOU ARE ALL MY HEROES, Stay safe my thoughts are with you all.

I am posting this message in memory of my dear friend Gill who sadly passed away recently. She fought her illness so bravely and will be missed so much by her family and friends. RIP my dear friend Gill...

I wish to remember my 85 year old cousin who sadly passed away in Basildon Hospital from Covid19. Wickford will greatly miss you as I know a lot of people loved you. I love and miss you Dot. Rest in Peace.

The Covid-19 pandemic has challenged our community like nothing we have ever seen before. Only those who were alive at the time of the last world war can possibly remember an international emergency on this scale that so devastated our way of life and curtailed our normal liberties. But here in Basildon Borough, our residents have shown the 'Dunkirk spirit' that has made this country great. No part of our community has been untouched by this crisis but everywhere we have seen people coming together to show their grit and resilience and their willingness to help others; from our amazing, selfless key-workers to the neighbours simply looking out for the vulnerable in their street. A certain woman who used to be in power is often misquoted as saying "There is no such thing as society". What she of course went on to say was, "There are individual men and women and there are families and no government can do anything except through people and people look to themselves first. It is our duty to look after ourselves and then also to help look after our neighbour and life is a reciprocal business." The residents of Basildon have displayed that reciprocity in spades. My thanks to all our NHS and key workers, and to our excellent Council officers, who have been tireless in their efforts on behalf of my constituents in Billericay East and all the residents of this borough. My thoughts are with all those who have fallen ill with this horrible virus and who have tragically lost their lives. I pray for those who are left behind with such terrible loss and without the chance to say goodbye. I wish them consolation in their grief and the strength to move forward. And I extend my heartfelt thanks to all in our communities who have been doing the right thing, staying safe and protecting one another. I look forward to better times ahead, in the sure and certain knowledge that Britain shall, as she always does, emerge from this catastrophe stronger and more united for having strove together through adversity. I wish you and yours well.

Thank you for the most moving Service of Remembrance, Recognition and Reflection. Basildon demonstrates a real community spirit with incredibly talented people. The Service was an excellent showcase of all that is good in our communities and an opportunity to thank those who have made and currently make such a positive impact on our lives. Thanks to David and to all those who contributed both on and off screen.

None of us could have predicted the events of the last seven months. Coronavirus has been a test of our resilience and determination. Not just as organisations or businesses, but as individuals. Each of us has faced unique obstacles and what has struck me most during this challenging period is the way people have come together. As a resident of the borough I am inspired by the way the community, key workers, businesses and partners have united – looking beyond their traditional roles to do the right thing and tackle this virus. As Chief Executive of Basildon Council I am extremely proud of the way the organisation has responded. I am also grateful to all our key workers for their swift and dedicated response to unprecedented circumstances, and for keeping us safe while also working to protect themselves. I would like to thank to our residents for continuing to follow the restrictions that have prevented many more lives from being lost, and I share my deepest condolences with those who have tragically lost loved ones during this difficult period. Stay safe, and thank you to everyone who has played a part in keeping Basildon Borough as safe as possible.

The Basildon Borough is a different place today than the one we called home at the start of March. Coronavirus has tested us like nothing else our borough has ever seen. That is why it is right that we are paying tribute to those who have done so much for our community over the past six months. Six months in which loved ones have been lost, goodbyes curtailed, families kept apart, lives and livelihoods devastated. We have also seen the very best from our community – we have truly appreciated those in our health and care services, who have gone above and beyond, risking their own lives to save others. We have appreciated too those who deliver essential services. We cannot thank them enough. I reflect on these past months I think about how we are all so dependent on each other. We need people to be there for us in time of need – it’s what families do, but when we don’t have family close by or we just don’t have family, we need friends and neighbours, we need our community. We can see, in how this virus is transmitted, how our actions can have profound repercussions on the wellbeing of others. We have all had to come to terms with living under new rules and adapting new behaviours – whether that’s keeping our distance, washing our hands or wearing face coverings. And I reflect on how these are important lessons for us in the future. Someone in power in this country once famously said, there is no such thing as society. How wrong she was and how dangerous it is to believe that. Our collective actions determine our destiny. We have to act with others in mind – not act selfishly, otherwise we all suffer. We thank also those who have volunteered to help the most vulnerable, shown kindness to neighbours and everyone who has complied with the new rules we continue to live under. Stay safe, stay strong and stay united.

We are experiencing what is probably the most challenging, unusual and unsettling time our world has seen for generations. Here in Basildon Borough I am incredibly proud of how our residents have come together during these times to do the right thing and protect themselves and each other from this dreadful virus. We have seen so many examples of communities coming together in ways not seen for many years to support each other. We have seen groups quickly establish food banks or scale up their existing food bank operations. We have seen neighbours helping more vulnerable neighbours, residents standing outside their homes cheering and clapping in gratitude for our NHS and other key workers. But sadly during these times we have witnessed many people falling ill with this virus and some residents tragically losing their life. These losses were often made even more difficult by the fact that family members did not have the opportunity to say goodbye. We remember all those who have suffered and those who are grieving. I extend my thanks to all our key workers who have and continue to get us through these tough times. I thank our council officers for their incredible and quick response to the emerging pandemic. But most of all I thank all our residents for continuing to do the right thing to save lives and protect each other. May better times return again soon but in the meantime I wish you all to stay safe and well.