A service of reflection and thanksgiving for NHS workers, carers and the wider community took place at Salisbury Cathedral yesterday marking two years since the first national lockdown.

Although the second anniversary falls on March 23, a moment of celebration organised by the trust running Salisbury District Hospital was held last night.

Playwright Paula B Stanic was commissioned by Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust to write the Three Journeys to explore the experiences of different groups during a time of fear and uncertainty. a care home worker, a 70-year-old alone at home and the 15-year-old daughter of a hospital worker. 

Her collection, 'Lament, Thanks, and Hope' was read out by residents Connie Roberts - a carehome worker, Peter Briggs - a 70 year old who lives alone, and Isabella Peralta - the 16 year old daughter of a hospital worker. 

Salisbury Journal:

Isabella, 16, said: “I have two parents who work in the healthcare industry. My mum works for the NHS and helps with respiratory health, and I didn’t know if she would be brought into a Covid ward. The unknowns were the most terrifying thing.

“Writing about it helped me to give my family and friends a voice. Not everyone has felt it that close to home, but my family did. It brought an education to me and a fear. Everything was felt at a deep level. Today, it is about commemorating those kinds of events.”

 

At the end of the service, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, the Dean of Salisbury, explained the essence of the commemoration: “We came together to remember all those who we lost and everything we lost. To acknowledge pain and grief that so many of us have known.”

 

“Then we have given thanks, to the health care workers, care workers and key workers. Lastly, we expressed our confidence and hope for the future despite the grimness of the pandemic. We have seen the very best of people too and the willingness of those who wish to go the extra mile."