First Commemorative Event for Infected Blood Community Kicks Off Discussions on Memorialisation
The inaugural Infected Blood Commemorative Event took place on November 19th at Church House in London, aiming to initiate vital conversations surrounding the memorialisation of the Infected Blood community. This gathering aligns with Sir Brian Langstaff’s recommendations from the Inquiry’s forthcoming 2024 report, which suggested the hosting of three community-focused events.
Event Structure and Leadership
The event was spearheaded by Clive Smith, Chair, and Joan Edgington, Vice-Chair of the newly formed Infected Blood Memorial Committee. This Committee is tasked with voicing the diverse experiences of those impacted by the scandal.
Key recommendations from Sir Brian include:
- Establishing a national memorial.
- Creating a memorial at Treloars school.
- Considering memorials across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
In total, nine new members from various geographical locations and backgrounds have joined the Committee, representing different cohorts of the community. Their names include John Dearden, Gordon Dixon, Nigel Hamilton, Tom Koukoulis, Nicola Leahey, Neil Lewis, Clair Walton, Bessie Woodhouse, and William Wright OBE.
The Process of Memorialisation
The Committee aims to hold its first meeting before year-end to discuss its objectives and methodologies. Community feedback collected thus far will be presented during this initial session. In January, the Committee will enter the idea-gathering phase, which will initially focus on potential locations for memorials.
Permanent Home for the Inquiry’s Memorial
During the event, it was confirmed that the Inquiry’s own memorial will be permanently located at Manchester University, specifically at the Carriageway Arch of the Queen’s Arch entrance, ensuring it is visible to the public at all times.
Community Input and Key Themes
Art Lewry and Morag Wood led two significant sessions that sought to gather comprehensive community input on the memorial. The discussions spanned several vital areas:
- Location: Suggestions varied from London to the National Arboretum, with emphasis on accessibility.
- Themes to Represent: Community feedback highlighted the urgency of illustrating victims’ experiences, the scale of the scandal, and the themes of injustice, courage, and resilience.
- Desired Emotions: The memorial should evoke feelings of loss, injustice, reflection, and strength.
- Individual Recognition: Many expressed the importance of combating stigma and ensuring inclusive representation in the memorial.
Progress on Existing Memorials
Scottish Memorial Update
The Scottish Infected Blood Memorial Working Group, active for nearly a decade, successfully raised £40,000 by 2022. However, plans to construct the memorial within the grounds of the Scottish Parliament have shifted, prompting ongoing discussions for a suitable alternative location.
Treloars Memorial Update
A dedicated Treloars Memorial Committee, composed of former students and parents, has made strides in securing planning permission for a memorial at Treloars school. Designed as a bronze sculpture of two boys on a granite base, it will be strategically placed at the school entrance in Alton, Hampshire, with hopes of completing the £125,000 project by May 2026.
Conclusion and Next Steps
- Psychological Services: Comprehensive, no-cost psychological support for those affected by the Infected Blood crisis is now available across the UK through self-referral.
- Next Commemorative Event: A Memorial Service is scheduled for May 19, 2026, at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/church-house-commemorative-event-19-november-2025
