Co-op Funeral homes across the UK are encouraging people to take part in Marie Curie’s National Day of Reflection

18 March 2022

• Colleagues will be displaying yellow daffodils and taking part in a national minute’s silence

Co-op Funeralcare colleagues across the UK are encouraging people to take part in the National Day of Reflection on 23rd March and will be proudly displaying yellow pinwheel daffodils in funeral homes in the lead up to the day of remembrance.

The National Day of Reflection has been established by end of life charity, Marie Curie, to encourage people to take time to connect and support the millions of people who are grieving and to remember the family, friends, and colleagues that have been lost during the pandemic.

At 12 noon, Marie Curie is encouraging people right across the country to take part in a minute’s silence to commemorate those who have passed away, to reflect on their lives and achievements and to reflect on the challenges the UK has overcome as a nation.

To support the initiative, Co-op Funeralcare colleagues, who were at the forefront of the crisis caring for the bereaved and their loved ones, are set to display yellow daffodils in funeral home windows in the run up to the event in a nod to the iconic flower traditionally associated with the charity.
Homes will also be hosting Walls of Reflection whereby anyone who has lost a loved one, in whatever circumstances, can come into the home and write a message to commemorate their life.

Samantha Tyrer, managing director, Co-op Funeralcare, said: "The National Day of Reflection is something that is incredibly important to my colleagues across Co-op Funeralcare, and I know they will be taking great pride in displaying yellow daffodils across our funeral homes as we all mark this year’s second anniversary. As front line workers throughout the pandemic, they cared for and supported grieving families during times of devastating loss, all under the most extraordinary of circumstances.

"We are encouraging people to take a moment to pause and remember lost loved ones on March 23rd. It’s important that as a nation we come together to take a moment to remember those who have passed away, to honour their memory and to ensure that people feel able to talk about their grief. We feel passionately that nobody should have to go through grief alone, and Co-op Funeralcare colleagues work hard in our local communities to ensure that the bereaved are getting the support they need."

Michelle Martin, director of development and communities at Marie Curie, said: “Coming together for the National Day of Reflection is one way we can all support each other and reflect on the death of a family member, friend or colleague. We hope local communities embrace the day, whether holding the minute’s silence at midday, wearing a Marie Curie daffodil pin, or in another way. Taking this time to connect will, we hope, bring comfort to everyone, and especially to those Co-op Funeralcare colleagues who have worked tirelessly and in the most difficult of circumstances over the last two years.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors For more information on how you can get involved, visit the Marie Curie website - https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection

Marking a minute of silence should be done in a way that is best for the individual, so if you’d like to arrange your own minute, please check the website for how to do so. And to give even further support on this day to come together, take the time to encourage others to take part in the National Day of Reflection, honouring not only the loved ones close to yourselves, but anyone who might have lost their lives during the pandemic.

Media Enquiries: Ellis Pullen | ellis.pullen@halpern.co.uk

About the Co-op: The Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by over 4 million UK consumers, the Co-op operates 2,600 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,100 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing over 63,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of £11.5 billion. As well as having clear financial and operational objectives, the Co-op is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.

About Marie Curie Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity.  The charity provides essential frontline nursing and hospice care for people with any terminal illness, a free support line and a wealth of information and support on all aspects of dying, death and bereavement. It is the largest charity funder of palliative and end of life care research in the UK. Marie Curie is committed to sharing its expertise to improve quality of care and ensuring that everyone has a good end of life experience. Marie Curie is calling for recognition and sustainable funding of end of life care and bereavement support.

Marie Curie's annual flagship fundraising appeal, the Great Daffodil Appeal is taking place throughout March. The money raised helps to support the charity's nurses, doctors, and hospice staff so they can continue working on the frontline giving expert care to people at the end of life, and their families. For more information on how to fundraise or donate, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

The National Day of Reflection on 23 March 2022 is a day to connect, supporting the millions of people bereaved during the pandemic and remembering the people we’ve lost. Join the minute’s silence at midday and find out more ways you can get involved at mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection

Please note we are 'Marie Curie' (not 'Marie Curie Cancer Care') mariecurie.org.uk