The Day of Reflection is our chance to tell those who may feel forgotten: "We see you and we feel for you"

Incredibly, we're now nearly four years on from the first covid lockdown, and about to mark Marie Curie's fourth annual Day of Reflection  .

The Day of Reflection is a special moment to remember everyone who died during the pandemic, to lend our support to all those who are grieving, and to take time and space to recognise and reflect on the loss we've collectively experienced since the pandemic began.

The pandemic has touched the lives of every person across the UK. For those who faced bereavement through it, the impact has been profound, and for some potentially lifelong. That's just one reason why taking time to reflect and remember is so important.

Acknowledging our pain

This year, we're holding the Day of Reflection on Sunday 3 March, following a recommendation from the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration  . Commemoration plays a crucial role in acknowledging the pain and loss we feel as a result of the pandemic.

Since our very first Day of Reflection in March 2021, Marie Curie has recognised the vital need to lead the UK in remembering every person who died, and every person who faced bereavement and loss in the most traumatic of circumstances.

While the pandemic may be over for some, many are still living with its devastating impact. From those still dying from the effects of having had covid, to those living with long covid and those traumatised by their experiences of working on the frontline.

The Day of Reflection is for us all, acknowledging the need to pause and reflect on the experiences of the past few difficult years and look to the future together.

Taking a moment

I'd encourage us all, whether individually or alongside your families, friends and community groups, to take a moment to reflect on Sunday 3 March.

At Marie Curie, we're aware that grief is deeply personal and individual, and we encourage people to mark the day in the ways that you find most meaningful.

So whether you choose to join a minute's silence or other event  , to dedicate and display a petal with a loved one's name  , or to hold your own reflective event or activity  , I hope you find strength in coming together and uniting in grief, regardless of your background or beliefs.

Expressing our compassion and support for one another is our chance to tell those who may feel forgotten: "We see you and we feel for you."

Moving forward

Taking the time to pause and look back while holding space for our grief also allows us to move forward with renewed purpose and clarity.

The pandemic highlighted deep health and social inequalities in society that still exist today and are likely to increase if we don't continue to work together for a better end of life for everyone.

There is still much more we need to do to ensure marginalised communities are able to access the same levels of care as the most privileged. To close the gap at end of life, significant change is required right across the UK.

Marie Curie is here for anyone who needs us, now and in the future. Currently one in four people in the UK don't get the end of life care they need. With your help, we can change this.

Every person deserves to have the best possible end of life experience, and we cannot rest until this is true for everyone in the UK.

By donating to Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal this March  , you can help us reach more people in need of expert care at the end of life.

Visit the Day of Reflection website   to get involved on Sunday 3 March.