WITH the new year upon us and our country still battling the horrors of the coronavirus pandemic, it seems an important time to reflect on the grief and devastation experienced by so many.

The heartbreaking reality of the situation has been felt in every corner of north Essex, with many lives taken far too soon by Covid-19.

Now we would like to give our readers the chance to share life stories and memories of those who died.

With an endless stream of statistics about cases and deaths, it’s sometimes easy to forget that behind every number is a person.

A person with family, friends and loved ones. A person with hopes and ambitions. A person who made the area what it is.

Gazette: virusvirus

We want to ensure they are not forgotten and are therefore opening our own book of condolence.

Many families have been bereaved since the start of the pandemic, with every death devastating for all who knew them, and we hope it provides a comforting place for people to remember their loved ones.

If you have lost someone special and would like to contribute, send us some details below.

Tell us the person’s name, age and where they were from, as well as some words you would like to be included.

Please provide a photograph, too.

Community answers

Paying tribute to lives lost to Covid-19 in north Essex

"Help us remember lives lost during the coronavirus pandemic. Please use this form to leave your tributes if you would like to contribute."

We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.

From Kim Sharon maxim

Please tell us the name of the person you would like to pay tribute to, their age and where they were from.Mandy Saunders

Please use this space to write your tribute.Those special memories of you, will always bring a smile. If only we could have you back, even for just a while. Then we could all sit and laugh and talk again, just like back when we were kids and the things we use to do. You always meant so very much, and always will do too. That fact that you’re no longer here has caused us heartbreak and pain. But you will always be a part of us, we love you dearly Mandy ♥️ Until we meet again. Forever in our hearts

If you would like to provide a photograph, please submit it here.

Gazette: My beautiful cousin Mandy & me ( I,m sitting on Mandys lap)My beautiful cousin Mandy & me ( I,m sitting on Mandys lap)

From Sarah Francis

Please tell us the name of the person you would like to pay tribute to, their age and where they were from.Colin porter,73.Dovercourt

Please use this space to write your tribute.When a robin constantly visits you or crosses your path it's a Loved one in heaven saying hello I'm with you xx 24/06/47-09/06/20

If you would like to provide a photograph, please submit it here.

Gazette: Always in our hearts ?????Always in our hearts ?????