WHILE the so-called 'Freedom Day' on Monday has been a cause for celebration for some, many others will be remembering loved ones lost during the pandemic.

Despite the fact that all restrictions have now been lifted, the Government has been quick to remind the public that the crisis remains far from over.

As we move forward it is important to remember those lost to this dreadful disease - in Cumbria alone, 1,272 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to Public Health England (PHE).

That figure rises to 1,498 when it tallies all those who died and had Covid-19 recorded as a cause of death on their death certificate.

Now, a new installation at a Cumbrian hospital will help to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic.

The tree and plaque have been unveiled at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, which is operated by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC).

A spokesman for the trust said: "This week a memorial plaque and tree have been placed at the West Cumberland Hospital for all those that sadly lost their lives during the pandemic.

"Dr Paul Mead helped to get the memorial alongside help from our Chaplaincy and Estates teams."

The latest data from PHE showed that there are currently 14 patients being treated in NCIC hospitals for Covid-19, with three of those in mechanical ventilation beds.

A total of 2,185 people have been admitted to the trust's hospitals since the start of the pandemic.