Filmmakers and creatives from Manchester and right across the country have come together to help bereaved families grieve during lockdown, by creating a free video memorial service.
The move comes after UK government rules mean only close family members and/or single households are allowed to attend funerals.
The team of volunteers at Video for Distant Memorials will make a free video memorial for anyone who has lost a loved one, (whether or not the death was due to c-19). At this time of social distancing and isolation, the videos enable family and friends to join together in a virtual way, to say goodbye.
Manchester-based founder of Video for Distant Memorials, Sarah Hodgetts, said: “Not being able to gather to celebrate a loved ones’ life is heartbreaking. We are editing together photos, videos, and memories so families and friends can share and remember their loved one together.”
The group has received generous support from creative agencies, businesses, and a huge number of freelance filmmakers, editors, producers and voiceover artists. Some of these creatives are out of work following lockdown and are offering their services for free, to help families remember those they have lost.
Hodgetts continued: “This is not an easy task, but the creative community has really shown what it’s all about – they are completely committed to making sure that people’s stories are not lost.”
The group is asking anyone who uses the service – and can afford to make a donation – to ‘pay it forward’ to the NHS Charities Together fund.
If you are saying goodbye to a loved one, please get in touch with the group using the contact form on its website: www.video-for-distant-
