Hither Green crematorium raises £12k for local charities

The sum was raised at Lewisham’s Hither Green crematorium and will be split between three local charities.

The money will go to pregnancy and baby loss charity SANDS (£4,166), based in Catford, St Christopher’s Children’s Hospice (£4,167), and Citizens Advice Lewisham (£4,167).

Citizens Advice holding their cheque. (Image: Lewisham Council) The money was raised through the Recycling of Metals Scheme, a programme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), of which Lewisham Council is a member.

With the consent of relatives, the scheme retrieves and recycles items such as medical pins, plates, wires, screws, rods, and artificial joints following a cremation.

The proceeds from this recycling effort are then donated to charities that support terminally ill individuals or bereaved families.

Councillor Oana Olaru-Holmes, cabinet member with responsibility for bereavement services, said: “We’re honoured to participate in the ICCM metal recycling scheme, allowing us to support three incredible local charities.

“These organisations provide crucial care and assistance to our community during some of life’s most challenging moments.”

The proceeds from this recycling effort are then donated to charities that support terminally ill individuals or bereaved families. (Image: Lewisham Council) Hannah Peck, strategic partnerships manager at SANDS, said: “Thanks to all at Lewisham Council for your generosity.

“Your support means we can continue to provide bereavement support services to local families, including our befriending services, for those who are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives.

“We rely on donations to help make sure we can keep our services accessible and free.

“Thank you for making such an impact on the lives of bereaved families.”

Since signing up to the ICCM metal recycling scheme 10 years ago, Lewisham Council has raised more than £170,000 for local end-of-life and bereavement charities. (Image: Lewisham Council) Christine Davies, head of fundraising at St Christopher’s Hospice, said: “We’re so thankful for this donation which will help us to continue to provide vital end of life care for our patients and support for their families when they need it the most.”

Since signing up to the ICCM metal recycling scheme 10 years ago, Lewisham Council has raised more than £170,000 for local end-of-life and bereavement charities.