Metal from coffin nails and knee and hip joints has led to a £1,500 cheque being presented to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The money was raised thanks to a recycling scheme at the Westerleigh Group’s Cromer Crematorium. When cremations take place, families are asked if they are willing for certain metals to be recycled. The crematorium then receives a lump sum which is donated to a local charity or charities of its choice. Site Manager Rodney Clark-Ward said: “We’re so pleased to once again be able to show our support for EACH. “Very sadly, we hold cremations here for children and young people and that’s why we feel such a close connection with this particular charity. “EACH does a wonderful job and if this money helps make families’ lives just that little bit better and more comfortable then we couldn’t be happier. “We like to think of parents having some much-needed respite and as long as I’m here in this post, we’ll continue to show our support.” The Holt Road crematorium is one of 38 run by the Westerleigh Group, from Scotland to Cornwall. It has three in East Anglia, including West Suffolk Crematorium, in Bury St Edmunds, and Cam Valley Crematorium, near Saffron Walden. “The recyclable metals include things like coffin nails and knee and hip joints,” added Rodney. “It could even come from the pin or screw placed into the bone when someone has an operation on a broken femur. “When a family is completing the forms before a cremation, they’re asked if they’re willing for those metals to be sent for recycling. “Loved ones very rarely want those materials back. It saves the metal being sent to landfill and helps raise money for a worthy cause. “It’s also good to get the word out and people like the idea of ‘giving after death’, a bit like leaving money in a will.” Rodney handed his cheque to EACH Corporate Fundraiser Laura Southcott. “We’re very grateful to have been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the metal recycling scheme and our thanks go to Rodney and the Westerleigh Group,” said Laura. “This money will help us continue our work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions.” Images provided by EACH
