Tree blessing tribute to lives lost during pandemic at Thorp House care home

Residents of Thorp House nursing home who passed away during the Covid pandemic were remembered at a special tree blessing service.

The Rev Michaela Sorensen, Curate at St Mary’s Church, in Watton, led the service at Loch Neaton, a local beauty spot.

Breckland Councillor Peter Wilkinson and Watton Deputy Mayor Peter Bishop attended the service alongside families who reflected upon loved ones while poems were read and petals scattered.

Marcia Hughes, activities coordinator at Thorp House, in Griston, last summer worked with local councils and the loch’s committee to organise the planting of a tree – The Tree of Hope and Perseverance - that would create a permanent memorial to people who died during the pandemic.

She said: “We wanted to create a memorial not just for the people who died locally but also to remember the selfless work of care staff and other key workers.”

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Author: Stephen Pullinger