A BENCH has been erected in Sunnyhurst Park to commemorate those who have lost their lives in the coronavirus pandemic.
A petition was started by Pauline McLoughlin from Darwen which was noticed by Darwen West Cllr Brian Taylor who helped Pauline’s idea come to life.
Cllr Taylor spoke with Darwen Town Council for funding and Blackburn with Darwen Council for permission to have it installed, while Pauline contacted WEC Engineering who built the bench.
Pauline started the petition in June after she lost her mother to Covid-19, wanting a place to reflect.
Pauline said: “Six months ago I witnessed first hand the effects of the death of a loved one, in my case my mum, not only on myself and my family members but also on my fellow health professionals.”
Cllr Taylor said: “It’s really nice for those who have lost loved ones to have somewhere to visit.
“Next to the bench is a tree and I am hoping at birthdays and Christmas people can hang cards to remember their loved ones.”
The bench will be officially unveiled in a private ceremony at the park today.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here