National chair speaks out about Mum dying ahead of National Day of Reflection
12 March 2021
National Federation chair John Apter will be joining millions of others across the country as they remember their loved ones on this month’s National Day of Reflection.
The day, on 23 March, is exactly a year after a national pandemic was announced.
Led by charity Marie Curie, it has been organised to remember those who have died since the start of the Covid-19 crisis.
As Federations and Forces across the country pledge their support behind the day, John, whose Mum, Joyce died in August, has shared his experience,
“My Mum was the best mum you could wish for,” said John, the youngest of three children in an article in today’s Daily Express, “She was funny, kind and generous.”
Having been diagnosed with lung cancer in March, Joyce’s health deteriorated and in August, she was admitted to hospital. There, she was in an isolation room, with suspected Covid-19.
“That was so hard for us as a family. Mum was scared and needed us to be there,” John added.
After being cleared of coronavirus, Joyce was moved to St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight, where she sadly died soon after.
“Although we were all desperately sad we made sure Mum’s final days were the best they could be," John said, “I still struggle with the loss but knowing how much she was cared for in her final weeks brings me lots of comfort."
Federation branches and forces across the nation will be supporting the National Day of Reflection, with events including a minute’s silence at noon. In the evening, at 8pm, the country will stand on their doorsteps and shine a light in a ‘beacon of remembrance’.
The National Association of Retired Police Officers will also be joining those remembering, with member Brian Burdus adding: “We are supporting the National Day of Reflection, as all our 93,000 members will have been affected in some way by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The Federation is encouraging those who have dealt with loss or are bereavement, especially while at work, to reach out for support if they need it.
