Dozens of NHS workers take part in a candlelit vigil to pay tribute to coronavirus victims

Dozens of NHS workers last night held a poignant candlelit vigil to remember those who had lost their lives to coronavirus. 

People gathered in London to remember coronavirus victims and to draw ‘attention to the ways in which the Government has mishandled the situation’.

The vigil was also to mark the upcoming 72nd anniversary of the NHS on Sunday July 4 when the country is expected to clap one final time.   

Around 50 NHS staff and campaigners carried one lantern to represent every 1,000 people who have died with coronavirus. 

Around 50 NHS staff and campaigners carried one lantern (pictured) to represent every 1,000 people who have died with coronavirus

The procession began at St Thomas’ Hospital and proceeded across Westminster Bridge before heading to Downing Street, where doctors and health workers read out all the names of their NHS colleagues who have died during a 20-minute candlelit vigil.

The People’s Assembly teamed up with Health Campaigns Together, Keep Our NHS Public and We Own It to organise the socially distanced vigil in London. 

Ramona McCartney, national organiser at the People’s Assembly, said: ‘It was very sombre and emotional.

‘We are coming up to the 72nd anniversary for the NHS and there will be celebrations, but we think it’s really important to throw attention to the ways in which the Government has mishandled the situation and lots of people have lost their lives unfortunately.

Pictured:  A demonstrator holds an umbrella as NHS staff, unions and campaigners gather for a vigil 

‘To see the NHS staff reading out the names, it was very moving.

‘It was a real moment of reflection and bearing light to an absolute tragedy that could have been avoided.’

Figures from last month show more than 300 NHS and social care workers have died during the pandemic.