Grieving families support others ‘at their most vulnerable'

A decision made by bereaved families has enabled £8,000 to be donated to a Devonshire hospice.

The donation was made to Hospiscare by the East Devon Crematorium, near Exeter, thanks to the generosity of families who have lost a loved one.

The donation was raised through a national verified scheme that recycles metals which remain after cremation with the express consent of bereaved families, such as items used in the construction of the coffin or orthopaedic implants.

Hospiscare currently supports around 740 patients and their families and friends

Tina Naldrett, Clinical Director Hospiscare, said: "It is always so incredible that bereaved families and friends are so generous at a time when they are working through their loss.

"We so appreciate this thoughtful gesture and will be putting it to good use in the delivery of care locally in East Devon. We see people at their most vulnerable. Donations like this make all the difference in a very real way.

"Thank you is indeed two small words for such a big and meaningful gesture."

Hospiscare is an Exeter based local, independent charity which provides high quality care and support to people with a progressive life-limiting illness and those close to them living in Exeter, East and Mid Devon.

Georgina Bembridge, Manager at East Devon Crematorium, said: "The support people get through the hospice can't take away people's suffering but can help them to find a way through it. It is incredibly important and, thanks to donations like this, the doctors, nurses and caring volunteers are there for people 24 hours a day seven days a week.

"It is heartwarming to know that this donation has come from the generosity of loved ones. It is because of them that we are able to make a difference to local causes."

The recycling of metals is done with the written consent of each bereaved family via the scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.

The proceeds are then returned to the crematorium who donates the money to local charities.

East Devon Crematorium is part the regional, independent co-operative, Southern Co-op, and is set in beautiful rural surroundings between Exeter and Honiton. It serves a large area of East Devon and West Dorset stretching from Exmouth to Bridport.

To find out more about East Devon Crematorium, visit www.eastdevoncrematorium.co.uk