Families mark five years since first Covid lockdown

Lucia Giordano's parents Joan and Francesco died from coronavirus 12 days apart in 2021

Bereaved families who lost loved ones to coronavirus have attended an anniversary event to mark five years since the first national lockdown.

Dozens gathered for a day of reflection at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, on Sunday.

Lucia Giordano, whose parents Joan and Francesco died within 12 days of each other in 2021, said they were together for almost 50 years.

"I know my mum and dad will be here in spirit today, there's a lot of peace in being able to join together in remembrance of these people who lived beautiful lives," she said.

Jake Dixon, right, lost both of his grandmothers to Covid within six weeks

On 23 March 2020, the Prime Minister announced the first lockdown in the UK in an effort to control the spread of Covid-19.

Emma Lewis, from Hereford, said she was unable to say goodbye to her mum Marilyn, 80, in 2021 due to hospital visiting restrictions.

"My mum was my best friend, she just enjoyed life," she said.

Her nephew Jake Dixon also lost his other grandmother Carol Best within six weeks.

"She was always very jolly and very happy, and she would pick me up from school. She would make sure I had everything I wanted, needed," he said.

"They're both deeply missed every day."

Sandra Hemmings said she felt "robbed", "sad" and "angry"

Others at the memorial event said they felt "robbed" they were unable to be with their loved ones at the time.

"It's sad to know that my husband died alone," said widow Sandra Hemmings, whose husband Neville died during the pandemic.

"I feel angry, I feel sad, but he would have been proud that people had come together to remember him and remember others that have died."

Alan Handley, from the Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group, described how "everything was in isolation".

The 72-year-old, from Tamworth, lost his wife Susan Handley in 2020.

"We [were] never able to afford our loved ones a proper send off, a final journey - and for us - we feel days like today, in some way we're holding what many families were deprived of," he said.