A £2.3m campaign is underway to to build a memorial inside St Paul's Cathedral remembering those who've died as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It would see an online book of remembrance set up by St Paul's called 'Remember Me' installed in a purpose-built structure inside the cathedral. 

The structure has been designed by Oliver Caroe, the cathedral's surveyor of the fabric, whose mother died of Covid-19.

A crowdfunding site has been set up to help make the memorial a reality. It is hoped it will provide a reflective and tranquil space for visitors.

More than 7,300 names have already been entered into the book as part of the cathedral's Remember Me project.

"Remember Me is for people of all faiths and none, and will be open for entries for as long as is needed. Public reaction to Remember Me has been so positive that St Paul’s wants to give it a place at the Cathedral, so that those who it commemorates become part of the centuries of history to which St Paul’s bears witness. St Paul’s is fundraising for a new inner entrance and space for contemplation in the Cathedral, in memory of those in the UK of all faiths and none who have died because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For centuries the Cathedral has provided a place of shared memory, to remember and grieve for people lost in war and tragedies," the crowdfunding site stated.

Visitors would be able to call up entries in the online book, including a photograph of those who have died and messages written by their loved ones.

The Very Reverend David Ison, dean of the cathedral, said in a statement: "The physical memorial at St Paul's will anchor the online book in a place where significant events and people have been commemorated for many centuries."

The memorial will be the first of its kind in St Paul’s for over 150 years.