Crematorium helps raise £5000 for Havens Hospices

June 13, 2018 by SBC

Thursday 14 June 2018

A unique recycling scheme that recycles the metal from orthopaedic implants following cremations has helped the Council to raise £5000 for Havens Hospices in Southend-on-Sea.

The Councils Bereavement Services team are just one of a number of cremation authorities to be involved in the recycled metals scheme, run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) to help raise money and be environmentally friendly.

Following a cremation the remains may contain metals from orthopaedic implants such as hip or knee replacements. These metals are recycled, with the permission of the bereaved families, through a specialised company contracted by the ICCM with the proceeds shared between a host of charities and organisations, associated with bereavement and bereavement support. The Council submitted a nomination on behalf of Havens Hospices to the ICCM for consideration.

The ICCM initiative has been running since 2006 in partnership with a family run Dutch company called Ortho Metals and have raised over £5.2million for various charities since it began.

Cllr Mark Flewitt and Cemetery & Crematorium Operations Manager Stephen Taylor were delighted to have presented £5000 to Sally Bridger, Community Fundraiser from Havens Hospices. The charity helps to support those who have been told there is no cure for their illness, caring for children, young people and adults at the end of their lives and supporting families.

Cllr Mark Flewitt, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said “To be making a donation to such a worthy cause is wonderful. This will help those at Havens Hospices to continue their amazing work supporting, patients, families and loved ones going through an exceptionally difficult time.

“I would like to thank the bereaved families and friends who allow us to participate in this scheme and I hope they can find some small comfort in the gift their passing has given to another.”

Sally Bridger, Community Fundraiser at Havens Hospices said “The support of the Southend-on-Sea Crematorium and all the bereaved families who have made this donation possible means so much to Havens Hospices.

“On behalf of the charity I would like to thank everyone who has helped raise £5,000 for the charity. We have to raise over £100,000 every week to be there for everyone who needs us; so this donation really does make a big difference.”