Today the Mayor of Barnsley, Leader of the Council & Lord Sentamu alongside representatives from across our community and emergency services unveiled a memorial to all those who have tragically lost their lives to Covid-19.

It will serve as a permanent tribute to the nearly 1000 people who have died in Barnsley from Covid-19 and the heroic key workers who have given and continue to give so much to keep us safe.

It was a privilege to present medals to school children from across Barnsley who designed artwork for the memorial.

The statue named ‘Reverence’ has local poet Ian McMillan’s words inscribed on it: ‘Barnsley’s fierce love will hold you forever in its heart’.