22 March 2019

On Friday 22 March at 11am staff gathered to remember the victims of Christchurch and Cyclone Idai

Robyn Doran, Chief Operating Officer, said,

“One week ago 50 people were killed during Friday prayers at two mosques in Christchurch – the Al Noor and Linwood Mosques; the youngest was 3 years old.

Many nationalities were amongst those killed and wounded and as their backgrounds emerged, their stories of travelling to New Zealand for a new life, resonated here amongst our own staff.

We are paying this silent tribute to those murdered in this attack; an attack on values we all share: humanity, respect, tolerance and dignity; we mark the stories of bravery, courage and compassion that have shown themselves everywhere. 

Our Grenfell Team was contacted by New Zealand health services for advice on trauma and we’ve responded, as of course we would as professionals but for today we respond as human beings, as people, paying our own respects; against terror, against hate and against division.

Also, on 14 March, Cyclone Idai hit the shores of South East Africa, in particular Mozambique & Zimbabwe with devastating results.

This is now considered to be the worst natural disaster to hit the Southern Hemisphere.

May I ask you all to join me in a minute’s silence for the victims of both Christchurch and Mozambique. “