Mourning the milestone that none of us wanted city to see - Editor's comment

That is both the tragedy and the danger of the utterly heart-breaking news that we have lost more than a thousand people from our city to covid. It is the grimmest milestone that our city has to start coming to terms with today.

Our front page represents every one of them with a Sheffield rose, a Mark that has been used by Sheffield Assay Office since 1903. It is the Tudor Rose, created by placing the Lancashire and Yorkshire Roses over each other. It is our city Mark and I hope you find it comfortingly appropriate. Of course, the truth is that these individuals are a number. They are our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, friends and colleagues who we will never see again. Each one was old or young; their hair was blonde, brown, ginger or grey; they had a brilliant sense of humour or were so grumpy it made the rest of the family giggle; they supported our football teams but obviously only one; they loved milky tea or very strong coffee; they were kind and generous and oh so Sheffield without every wanting to waste a single penny. They loved opera, jazz, pop music, Lady Gaga, Elvis ... Fish and chips was their favourite dinner or Sunday roast. They were really looking forward to the pubs opening again so they could meet up with their old pals over a pint or they were desperately waiting to hold their grandchildren in their arms once again.

Each of those 1,001 Sheffielders would have a very strong message for us, as a city we must take care of those they have left behind and we must follow the rules to stop their group growing.

If this doesn't make you stay home, wear a mask, keep your distance and be as safe as you possibly can then, perhaps, nothing ever will. If you also can’t respect these individuals enough to stop taking risks, I would suggest you take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask if you would feel the same had somebody you loved gone.

Join me tonight in thinking of those left behind and do the right thing in memory of all our dearly missed Sheffielders. It isn’t much to ask when you think what others are going through right now.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.