Ilkley District Councillors have started a fund to create a permanent tribute to those in the town who have sadly died from coronavirus.
Councillors Kyle Green and Anne Hawkesworth have personally donated £100 each and are looking to raise over £1000 through a crowdfunding website to help fund a permanent tribute to the more than 50 residents of Ilkley and Ben Rhydding who have tragically died from Covid.
So far, ideas for a permanent tribute have included looking at planting magnolia trees, a permanent plaque to remember those who have died, and other appropriate plantings to help create a suitable memorial.
Speaking about this idea, Councillor Hawkesworth commented: "We hope that we can producing a lasting memorial to those of us who have died and grieved but also a reminder for the future of recovery and hope Whether magnolia trees along a walk already existing in the park or Clouds of Daffodils on the road through Ilkley or some secluded area to contemplate revival with snowdrops. A marker to the future and a reminder of the past."
Councillor Green added: "This last year has been extremely difficult for all of us. Many in our community have worked on the front line to help save lives and perform key worker roles and we are hugely grateful for all their continued efforts. Tragically, over 50 residents of Ilkley and Ben Rhydding have died from this virus and it seems fitting to make sure that we as a community pay tribute to those who have lost their lives. This will be a public place for people to reflect upon those we have lost."
Those wishing to donate can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/IlkleyandBenRhyddingmemorial
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