Symbol of hope Covid memorial to be unveiled

The rainbow structure has been installed over the past few weeks

A man who led a five-year campaign for a Covid memorial said he wanted it to be a "symbol of hope".

The rainbow structure will be officially unveiled outside Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley, West Midlands, on Thursday.

Councillor Keiran Casey started fundraising for the monument at the height of the pandemic in 2020. He said it had taken longer than he hoped to bring it to fruition, but would still be a "meaningful and lasting tribute" to those who died, health staff and other key workers.

The unveiling, at 12:00 BST, will be attended by Dudley's mayor Pete Lee, senior hospital officials and others involved in the project.

The sculpture replicates the rainbow symbol widely used to pay tribute during the pandemic, and has been paid for by contributions from local companies, organisations and individuals.

Local firms were involved in the project's design and construction

The Labour councillor said "well over £50,000" had been raised, alongside donations of labour and materials.

Glassmakers based at Ruskin Glass Centre in Stourbridge and a local fabricator worked on the sculpture.

"Despite Covid feeling like something that is a distant memory, I really do feel this is a significant project fpr Dudley, and the wider West Midlands. and I also hope this will act as a symbol of hope more widely," Casey said.