Remembering those we’ve lost
19 March 2021
The University’s Main Building will turn yellow on the evening of Tuesday 23 March in memory of those who have lost their lives to COVID-19.
Light will shine on key landmarks and buildings across the country as a mark of respect and remembrance to those who have died, offering support to the families and friends who mourn them.
As part of a nationwide day of reflection members of the public are also being asked to hold a minute’s silence at noon, and to contact someone they know who is grieving.
Every part of the University community has been affected, with many colleagues losing family and friends to COVID-19.
The 23 March 2021 has been chosen as it marks the first anniversary of the start of the UK’s first lockdown.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said: “Too many lives have been cut short since the start of the pandemic. Sadly, we know this includes members of staff and their families, as well as members of the wider University community.
“Family and friends are grieving in extremely difficult circumstances. As we join with people across Wales and shine yellow light on one of our buildings, we hope this will go some way towards showing our sympathy to anyone who has been affected by loss.”
The colour yellow has been chosen because the yellow heart has become a symbol of love and loss during the pandemic.
The choice of Main Building is particularly poignant as the request for it to be lit came from the family of a member of staff who worked there.
Robert Ashton, a senior lab technician in the School of Chemistry, worked for the University for over 30 years.
He died in April last year after contracting COVID-19.
Professor Riordan said: “When we were approached to light up Main Building by the Ashton family, we were eager to take part.
“This is a small way in which we can both show our respect to the people who have lost loved ones and thank those many members of staff and students who joined the NHS frontline to help save others.
“We know that there are still tough times ahead and sadly more lives will be lost, but we are a resilient community, and we will come through this by continuing to support each other.”