On the evening of March 26th, Croydon East MP Natasha Irons hosted a special Candle Ceremony at Westminster Abbey to remember one of her constituents, Michael Lyons and the WWI soldiers he fought to commemorate. The event brought together Croydon veterans and cadets, members of the Lyons family and local council and NHS leaders.
Mr. Lyons, an ex-serviceman from New Addington who served in Egypt, campaigned tirelessly for a war memorial at Croydon Cemetery. He was determined to honour the 26 WWI soldiers admitted to Cane Hill Asylum in Coulsdon who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and died in the institution. Unjustly, their bodies were disposed of in unmarked graves.
Irons and Lyons planned the Candle Ceremony at Westminster Abbey together, wanting to light a candle at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior to rectify this historical oversight. But sadly, Michael passed away earlier this year before the ceremony took place. After speaking with a member of Michael’s family, who confirmed that the event should go ahead, Natasha’s office resumed planning.
The ceremony included a candle lighting at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior to commemorate those who gave their lives in service and Michael’s tireless campaigning efforts. Natasha Irons MP delivered an address calling on the community to recognise veterans’ contributions and wrap support around them locally. The service was incredibly moving, with Canon Mark Birch and the Minister for Veterans and People both delivering powerful speeches.
Natasha Irons, MP for Croydon East, said:
“Michael intended the Candle Ceremony to be a powerful reminder of the WWI soldiers who suffered from PTSD and were unfairly forgotten. He wanted to restore their dignity, keep their history alive and encourage young people to remember their sacrifice – and I think it did just that.”
“I wanted the event to bring generations together in support of the Croydon Armed Forces community. I wanted everyone who attended to commit to supporting those who have served.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said:
“As someone who has worn the uniform and served alongside remarkable men and women, standing at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier is a deeply humbling experience. This important place honours the bravery and sacrifice of those who never made it home — a reminder of the bonds we share and the duty we carry to remember them.
“Tonight’s candle ceremony is especially poignant as we reflect on the work of Mike Lyons. Mike not only served in the British Army with pride, but dedicated himself to advocating tirelessly for veterans, especially those suffering from invisible wounds of war, or those who were never recognised for their sacrifices. Their legacy lives on in our hearts and through our unwavering gratitude.”
The event also marked the launch of a fundraising campaign for SSAFA Croydon and the Royal British Legion New Addington branch, which both provide essential services to Croydon veterans, active service members and their families. From housing and mental health provision to employment and bereavement support for carers – the work both charities do is invaluable.
To support the fundraising campaign, please visit: www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/croydoncares4veterans