Field of memorial Covid crosses for Corby great-gran Betty

A man from Kettering has started his own memorial to those people lost during the coronavirus pandemic in memory of his mum who died after contracting the virus.

Mum-of-seven Betty Smith died on May 20 this year, and son and carer James Steele, his family, friends and supporters have paid for more than 300 crosses that were placed on Rothwell Road, on grass in front of Kettering General Hospital, yesterday.

Each of memorial crosses has the words #lovethelost2020 Covid-19 printed on them and represents those who have died from the virus or other causes made worse due to the pandemic.

James said: "These were living, breathing human beings who were taken away. Each one represents a person. I want to create a permanent memorial in the town centre, maybe the gardens next to the Corn Market Hall, just a sign would do but somewhere families could go and think about their loved ones who have been lost."

"I, like so many others, have so many unanswered questions. Myself and others locally have been lobbying our local council and MP for a more permanent memorial to our lost loved ones, not only to Covid-19 but other deaths as a result of cancellations within hospitals nationwide."

Betty was 87 when she died in May. She moved down to Corby from Paisley, Scotland, with her young family for a fresh start on the Exeter estate, joining old school friends who had already made the move.

James, 50, said: "We called her 'Betty Three Jobs' because she was a a hard worker. She would pluck turkeys, work behind the bar at the Grampian and the Labour Club and go potato picking.

"She always had a smile on her face. She was fantastic. We wanted for nothing."

Betty's family including her three surviving children, 10 grandchildren and eight great-granchildren were restricted at her funeral to 13 people at the crematorium. The piper playing outside.

The funeral was postponed so that James who contracted Covid could attend the service. He is still suffering symptoms of Long Covid.

James said: "Since the start of the pandemic so many families had to endure a partial funeral, and reduced numbers. Our time to grieve was brief and most of our dead were cremated so we have no grave to visit.

"The crosses are a statement to bring people's attention back to Covid. People are too quick to believe conspiracy theories.

"I want people to understand that each one of those numbers read out as statistics are people. They take the humanity away. They are not just numbers. Our loved ones have been turned into mere statistics.

"I would like people to stop and think about those we lost and to ask questions of those in charge."

James added: "There needs to be a memorial, something to remind people, to help heal the whole nation. The memorial would represent everybody who died whether of Covid, cancer or a heart attack.

"People have told me that they think it's a great idea and I have added the names of people when asked by family members.

"Ultimately myself and others would like to see permanent memorials or remembrance gardens erected in every town for those left behind."