Work gets underway on memorial garden for Doncaster's coronavirus victims

Nearly 700 people have died from Covid-19 in the town – but their memories will live on through the creation of a garden at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Earlier this week, work got under way – and is expected to be completed in time for spring.

The idea came about following the deaths of NHS workers Kevin Smith, Dr Medhat Atalla and Lorraine Butterfield, who all worked for the hospital trust and who have all lost their lives to Covid.

A Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust spokesman said: “Following our appeal last year to create two memorial gardens, one at Bassetlaw Hospital and one at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, we're excited to update you that work has begun on the garden at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

"The idea behind the gardens came from our colleagues who wanted a place to go to remember all the local people who have sadly lost their life to Covid-19, including three of our colleagues.

"The gardens will be a sanctuary for our colleagues and our local community, a place to go to remember those we have lost. Work will take around six weeks and will be finished just in time for Spring and those longed for warmer days! We will keep you updated over the next few weeks on the progress.”

Hall Fencing Limited has provided fencing free of charge.

Anyone who would like to get involved in the project can contact the Communications and Engagement Team on 01302 644244 / 01909 572726 or email [email protected].