A plaque has been unveiled in Cassiobury Park to thanks NHS workers for their work over the pandemic.

The plaque at the Peace Garden in the park was placed by a fig tree planted earlier this year and was unveiled on Wednesday (June 23) following the death of a community activitst.

Alirio Figueiredo, from West Watford, fell ill over may years and later died after receiving care at Watford General Hospital.

His wife, Maria Figueiredo, has also been ill for many years and has been reliant on the NHS and social care services in Watford.

To express her gratitude to the care provided during the pandemic, Mrs Figueiredo wanted to plant the tree at Cassiobury Park as the couple were frequent visitors.

She said: “I chose a fig tree, with my daughter and one of my carers, because of our surname.

“Back home we have always had a fig tree in our garden. As you probably know, the fig tree has biblical connotations, and the leaves have various medicinal benefits.

“So, I want anyone who visits the Peace Garden to enjoy the fruits and think of us and the staff and carers of the NHS and Social Care who have been so kind to me and my late husband.

“I love Cassiobury Park. The Peace Garden is my favourite place.

“The Plaque is my way of telling the world how grateful I am to everyone who works within the NHS - doctors, nurses, ancillary staff such as porters, cleaners etc. as well as Social Care staff and my local pharmacy. “

She also thanked Red Mason Design for creating the plaque.

It was unveiled by Vice Admiral Allan D. Richards, Deputy Lieutenant for Hertfordshire, along with Mrs Figueiredo, her daughter Annette, Watford Deputy Mayor Cllr Aga Dychton, a group of health and social care representatives , local councillors, friends of the family and volunteers from the Peace Garden including Cllr Rabi Martins, Jeff Bateman and Francoise Murphy.