The National Covid Memorial Wall in London

A Living Tribute to Lives Lost

The National Covid Memorial Wall stretches for 500 metres along the Albert Embankment on the South Bank of the River Thames, directly opposite the Palace of Westminster. It is covered with more than 245,000 individually hand-painted red and pink hearts, each symbolizing a person who died in the UK with COVID-19 on their death certificate. This vast mural serves as a solemn and deeply personal tribute to the catastrophic loss experienced during the pandemic.

Origins Rooted in Grief and Activism

The wall was initiated in March 2021 by the political campaign group Led By Donkeys in collaboration with Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice. Over a thousand volunteers painted approximately 150,000 hearts within ten days, transforming public grief into a visual memorial. Bereaved families contributed by inscribing names, messages, poems, and drawings inside the hearts, creating a tapestry of individual stories and memories. This grassroots effort grew into a powerful symbol of collective mourning and resilience.

Ongoing Care and Preservation

As the original artwork faded due to weather, a group of bereaved volunteers known as The Friends of the Wall took responsibility for maintaining the memorial. They repaint faded hearts, rewrite dedications, remove graffiti, and add new hearts to reflect ongoing losses. Their dedication ensures that the memorial remains a vivid and enduring place of remembrance. In 2025, the UK government confirmed plans to preserve the wall permanently as a national monument, recognizing its significance.

Symbolism and Location

Situated alongside St Thomas’ Hospital and facing the UK Parliament, the wall’s location is deeply symbolic. It acts as a public reminder to lawmakers of the human cost of the pandemic and the importance of remembrance and accountability. The proximity to the river and the urban setting create a contemplative atmosphere where visitors can reflect on loss, resilience, and hope.

Visitor Experience and Community Connection

Visitors are encouraged to engage with the wall by reading the messages or leaving their own dedications within empty hearts. The memorial fosters a sense of unity among those who have lost loved ones and offers comfort through shared grief. Weekly gatherings by volunteers and commemorative events throughout the year reinforce the wall’s role as a living memorial and community space.

A Testament to Human Spirit and Memory

The National Covid Memorial Wall stands as a unique and powerful expression of remembrance, transforming a public space into a collective narrative of love, loss, and endurance. It invites all who visit to pause, remember, and honor the individual lives behind the staggering statistics, ensuring that those lost to COVID-19 are never forgotten.