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Daily gets five-figure boost in bid to build coronavirus memorial

A daily newspaper has more than doubled the amount raised for its planned coronavirus memorial garden in one fell swoop.

HTFP previously reported how Glasgow-based daily The Herald was campaigning to create a memorial garden at Glasgow’s Pollok Park to those lost to Covid-19 in Scotland, having set itself a £50,000 fundraising target.

Now the campaign has received a significant boost with a donation of £10,000 from former printing tycoon John Watson OBE.

Mr Watson’s donation came just days after The Herald revealed it has passed the £10,000 milestone, meaning more than £21,000 has now been raised for the project since May.

The planned location of the memorial garden in Pollok Park, Glasgow

The planned location of the memorial garden in Pollok Park, Glasgow

Mr Watson told the paper: “I am deeply impressed by the willingness of The Herald to launch a campaign to create a memorial garden and provide a lasting tribute to those we have lost during this unprecedented health emergency.

“Every one of those who have died are simply irreplaceable and the enduring grief of their loved ones may lessen in time but will never truly go away.

“Full marks to The Herald for leading the way on this initiative and I would encourage businesses and Glaswegians alike to get behind this campaign.”

Donald Martin, editor of The Herald, said: “This is an incredibly generous gift from Mr Watson and his charitable foundation.

“We are delighted he has shown such an interest in our campaign and the donation will go a long in helping us create a fitting memorial for Scotland’s coronavirus victims.

“This fantastic donation also sees our funds total pass £20,000 and is a major boost to the campaign.”

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