Memorial to Captain Tom and all who died in covid pandemic installed at Hebburn cemetery

A monument in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore and all those who died in the coronavirus pandemic has been installed in Hebburn Cemetery.

The statue, featuring stained glass in the symbolic colours of the rainbow, has been described as a “poignant and fitting tribute” by Hebburn North Councillor Adam Ellison on Facebook.

It was donated by community group Friends of Hebburn Cemetery and European Active Projects.

John Stewart, chairman of The Friends of Hebburn Cemetery, with the new memorial.

John Stewart, who runs the community group, said: "We got the monument installed because the past year has been a terrible year for everybody. So many people have lost loved ones and have not had proper funeral or have not been able to attend the funeral.

"We wanted to have somewhere in Hebburn where people could go.”

The volunteers decided to include Captain Sir Tom Moore in the memorial because of his impressive fundraising efforts.

He became well-known across the nation when he raised almost £33million for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden before his birthday in April last year. The 100-year-old Army Veteran died on February 2 after testing positive for Covid-19. A national applause in his name took place the following day.

John said: "He touched the hearts of so many people in the country. He’s been a real hero for what he’s done for the NHS.”

The statue was installed on Wednesday and John has said the feedback from the community has been “magnificent”.

"Some folks have said they have lost loved ones during the pandemic and the monument gives them hope for the future.”

John continued: "It’s just fantastic, it’s beautiful. It’s a reminder of what has happened this part year.

“We’ll never forget loved ones and friends that have passed away due to this awful virus."

According to the latest available figures, the number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals across South Tyneside and Sunderland is currently 180 . At its peak on January 26, there were 251 Covid patients in the local NHS trust’s hospitals.