Tributes to Barrow Legionnaires’ disease outbreak victims 10 years on
Last updated at 16:49, Monday, 03 September 2012
THE 10-year anniversary of the Barrow Legionnaires’ disease outbreak was marked with a memorial service.
Family, friends and dignitaries gathered at St George’s Church in Barrow on Saturday afternoon to remember the seven people who died following the Legionella outbreak at The Forum in 2002.
A candle was lit in memory of each of the victims during the poignant 40-minute service.
Thoughts were also expressed for the 180 other people whose health was affected by the Legionella bacteria.
Reverend Linda Cronin led the service and read a piece titled “Recollection” by Barrow author Gill Jepson.
Rev Cronin said some families naturally still felt aggrieved, but after a decade it was time to focus on the “positive outcomes” which arose from the ordeal.
She praised the emergency and medical teams who gave “self-sacrifice”, showed “compassion” and went “beyond the call of duty”.
Continuing Ms Jepson’s words, Rev Cronin hailed the family and friends of those affected and the wider Barrow community for its “resolute” response.
She said: “The effects of this will become part of the Barrow story and reflect the community spirit that runs through the veins of the town.
“The victims will never be forgotten. And those who have health problems who continue to suffer daily, we must remember them as much as those who lost their life.”
Reverend Elaine Bates praised the emergency services, medical staff, police and support workers, and added: “There is in Barrow a community spirit that comes to the fore when adversity strikes. And, when that happens, it makes sure that tragedy doesn’t have the last word.”
Sandra Harris, whose mum Mary Low died as a result of the outbreak, organised the ceremony.
Mrs Harris, of Longway, Barrow, said: “You feel it at different times – Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, the anniversaries of each death. Of course, it sticks in the throat a bit and it’s emotional. I just did this to remember my mam, as a mark of respect. And for other people – if they wanted to – to come here and remember.”
First published at 12:18, Monday, 03 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
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Whats the point in asking for peoples opinions, If you the NWEM are to worried what the Council thinks? I wrote about the Council refusing to comment regarding the findings of the courts !& you failed in your duty to report the hurt & anger this has caused so many decent people? Have the Council No shame in attending this event, to talk about our Communitys wonderful Spirit & then refuse to bring closure, its a disgrace to there memory!
Posted by Wally ! on 3 September 2012 at 23:03