Sir Mike Penning, Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead, is backing a local campaign to plant a memorial tree to remember all those in the Borough lost to Covid-19.

The campaign is being organised by Margaret Sharp who is a carers ambassador for Carers In Hertfordshire and her grand-daughter Jasmyn Saunders. The campaign has the backing of Dacorum Borough Council.

Margaret said:
“As a carers ambassador, I lost friends, neighbours, colleagues and people from the community that I had known and supported for over 20 years. It breaks my heart to know that so many families where unable to say a proper goodbye to their loved ones because of the lockdown restrictions.

“A Memorial Tree would be a focal point for families and individuals to go for a moment of reflection to remember those they lost.

“I am delighted with the early response to this campaign, and I very much hope many people will get involved and contribute. It would be really nice if we could have a bench near the tree for people to use.”

The campaign has already attracted the support of a number of local businesses.

Kishor Patel owner of Nisa Local in Crabtree Lane said:

“We have supported many local community projects since 2008 and this is a very worthwhile cause. We are happy to contribute. So many people have been affected by this terrible pandemic and a Memorial Tree will be a great way to remember family and friends.”

Nisa Local’s charity Making a Difference Locally (MADL) has contributed £1,000.

Sir Mike Penning MP said:
“I am very happy to support this project. Covid-19 has been an unhappy milestone in all our lives. Many people have lost loved ones and it would be appropriate to have a single place of reflection. What better memorial than a tree in Gadebridge Park which has been a place where so many people have been able to briefly escape lockdown?”

A crowdfunding page has been set up, please visit it to pledge your support: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/memorial-tree

Photo: (l to r) Nisa Local Crabtree Lane Store Manager Haresh Thesia, Jasmyn Saunders, Margaret Sharp, Kishor Patel, Pat Patel, Sir Mike Penning MP.