A COLLINS Green care home has left a touching tribute to honour all lost to coronavirus throughout the pandemic.

Staff and residents at St Mary's Care Centre, which cares for people with dementia, acquired brain injuries and mental health needs, created moving bows which have been tied to trees around the home’s gardens.

The yellow bows, with forget-me-nots and initials, look over the Penny Lane home’s memorial garden in a reminder of those taken too soon.

It coincided with Dying Matters Awareness Week, which encourages organisations, individuals and partners to come together to open up the conversation around dying, death and bereavement.

Warrington Guardian:

Alex Cagliarini, end of life lead nurse at St Mary's, said: “This event was an opportunity to talk openly about death, and that we only have one chance to get it right.

“Everyone has a right to a good death, and by getting people talking about it, it becomes less of a taboo subject and people can plan their own care when that time comes.

“They can then tell their loved ones what they do want and the things they don’t want when they can no longer decide for themselves.

“It is important to discuss end of life care with those with dementia, and it can be easy to put things off until it is too late, and you miss opportunities that could lead to improved quality of life and care.”

Warrington Guardian:

Jackie O’Connor, activity coordinator at the care centre, added: “I myself lost my mum just before Covid hit who also lived at St Mary’s.

“Because it was something that myself and my mum always talked openly about, it allowed her passing to be a more peaceful and personal encounter.

“This also helped with my own personal grief in the knowledge of knowing my mum’s wishes were met.”