09/03/2026
💙 Remembering those who sadly lost their lives and honoring staff who worked tirelessly during the Covid pandemic.
Simon Wells, the Trust’s Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control joined Reading’s Mayor, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles and Berkshire’s Deputy Lieutenant Rohit Tanna to officially plant a commemorative tree in memory of those who lost their lives to Covid and to honour the tireless work of Trust staff during the pandemic.
The tree is a dove or handkerchief tree and it was planted at the Lorenzo Quelch Gardens, in Addington Road. A plaque planted alongside it reads: “In memory of all those who lost their lives since the Covid-19 pandemic began. In gratitude for the dedication of health and social care staff, frontline workers and researchers, and in recognition of the volunteers and acts of kindness shown during this unprecedented time.”
Simon received the Chief Nursing Officer’s Silver Award in 2021 in recognition of his service to the Trust, and especially the vital role he played during the Pandemic. During a minute’s silence at the tree planting, the Trust’s Dr Peter Tun and nurse Julie Edward who both died during the pandemic, were remembered.
