A new bench remembering those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic will be unveiled and blessed at St Andrew’s Church in Old Headington on Sunday 18 October 2026.
Hospital staff, patients’ families and local residents are invited to the church’s 10am service, with the blessing taking place in the churchyard afterwards. People of all faiths or none are welcome, and no booking is needed.
Remembering those lost during the pandemic
The bench has been funded by the church and the Friends of St Andrew’s Church. St Andrew’s describes itself as the parish church for the John Radcliffe Hospital.
The Rev’d Emma Hopegood Jones, vicar of St Andrew’s, said in a statement: “Many hospital staff are still processing the impact of the pandemic, and I know many of them already come to sit in our churchyard to rest. We also regularly welcome the family and friends of patients in hospital, and it is a privilege to be able to offer a space of sanctuary for prayer.”
Emma Hopegood Jones will lead the Eucharist, a Holy Communion service marking St Luke’s Day. St Luke is the patron saint of doctors, and the service will include prayers for doctors, nurses, support staff and others working in healthcare.
The preacher will be the Rev’d Ruth Fitter, lead chaplain at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The trust’s chaplaincy team supports patients, families and staff regardless of their faith or beliefs.
In the church’s announcement, Ms Fitter spoke of the continuing grief felt by hospital workers and the families and friends of patients and staff who died during the pandemic.
She said: “It may seem like a small thing, but ordinary small things in our lives can make such a difference. I hope it can give space and peace to those who come to sit upon it.”
The bench’s inscription remembers those who died during the pandemic in 2020-2022 and includes the words “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” from Psalm 34:18.
Attending the service at St Andrew’s
The 10am service on Sunday 18 October will be followed by the unveiling and blessing in the churchyard. Refreshments will follow in the churchyard, or inside the church if it rains.
St Andrew’s Church is in St Andrew’s Road, Old Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DL. Its visitor information gives wheelchair and pushchair access to the church via the rear entrance, following the path from the west end gate around the west end of the building.
