A beautiful rainbow sculpture, symbolising hope in times of adversity, was unveiled outside Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley last week.
The monument serves as a lasting reminder of all those who lost their lives during the COVID Pandemic and pays tribute to the courage of frontline Dudley Group Foundation NHS Trust staff, healthcare professionals, key workers and volunteers.
Designed by Dudley Borough Artist Steve Field, the rainbow memorial sculpture has been in development for five years, attracting donations from individuals and organisations across the West Midlands.
In 2021, we were proud to donate £500 towards the project.
David Loon, our Head of Localities who represented us at the unveiling ceremony, said: “It was an honour to see the Rainbow sculpture opened formally to the public. The monument is a fitting tribute to loved ones no longer with us and all the key workers who served us with such dedication in the face of a deadly virus including colleagues at GSA.”
The rainbow structure is comprised of colourful glass hearts handmade by artisans at the Ruskin Glass Centre in nearby Stourbridge and girded by steel. There are also two clouds on the outside and a plaque featuring a quote from Captain Sir Tom Moore.
Also attending the ceremony was Cllr Karen Westwood, who represents Brockmoor and Pensnett ward on Dudley Council. Cllr Westwood said: “I am grateful to GSA and all the other donors who made the COVID memorial outside Russells Hall Hospital a reality. As someone who worked in the frontline of our health service during the dark days of the pandemic, the rainbow colours of the sculpture will always remind me of the presence of hope in the very bleakest of times.”
The memorial was unveiled by Stewart Towe CBE Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Diane Wake Chief Executive of Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Sir David Nicholson Chairman of the Trust, Councillor Keiran Casey, Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Peter Lee and Mayoress, Mrs Gloria Lee.
Diane Wake, Chief Executive of Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are proud to have this beautiful sculpture at Russells Hall Hospital. It reflects the strength, resilience and care shown by our staff and partners throughout the pandemic and beyond. We’re delighted to share this special moment with the community.”
The initiative was spearheaded by Councillor Kieran Casey to ensure that in addition to the recognition bestowed by the council, Dudley had a permanent monument outside the hospital to mark the extraordinary efforts of those who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic from a range of sectors and roles.
