A cathedral service is being held to ensure vulnerable people who died during the coronavirus pandemic are not forgotten.
Over the course of the health crisis, nine men and women who had been supported by the Bury Drop In charity passed away.
While not all died from Covid-19, their deaths are said to be as a direct result of lack of services available during the pandemic.
Bury Drop In helps those who don't have secure housing and they may also have drug or alcohol addictions.
A memorial service is being held at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday, November 20, at 3.30pm to remember these nine people, including artist Will Crump.
Mr Crump, 48, died in July 2020 from severe burns following an incident where he caught fire.
His mother Penny Fowler, who lives in London and plans to attend the service, said it was "very important" that her son, and the other Drop In guests, were not forgotten.
"I'm sure it will be a very moving ceremony," she said. "While Will didn't die because of Covid, the pandemic definitely played a part. He was not able to come to London and he lost face-to-face interactions."
David Bonnett, one of the founding members of Bury Drop In, said to put the number of guests who had died in context, they had lost at most three from various causes in the five years prior.
He believes the reduced face-to-face support during the pandemic contributed to their deaths.
He said they were determined these friends should not be forgotten and "just become statistics".
"They will always now be remembered as part of the community and it should really goad us into making sure it doesn't happen again. We must look out for the people who are the most vulnerable."
He said there could be other vulnerable people who had also died as a result of reduced support services during coronavirus who were not on their radar.
Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, said: "One of the indirect consequences of the pandemic lockdown was the loss of support services to some of the most vulnerable in our society.
"This led to isolation and a lack of practical help. Nine guests who used to visit Bury Drop In died during this time. On Saturday, November 20, we will remember them by name, tell their stories and share the sadness of their loss.
"This is one of the jobs given to a cathedral: to name those who might otherwise be forgotten, to give voice to the voiceless and to tell their stories. Please consider joining us for the service. All are welcome.”
The service will include candle lighting in memory of those lost, plus music, readings and prayer.
Alongside the nine guests remembered, it will also remember a volunteer from Bury Drop In who also passed away during this time.
The service is open to all. If possible, please email Bury Drop In so they have an idea of numbers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here