West Berkshire Crematorium donates £16,000 to local causes
Four local charities and organisations have been given donations totalling £16,000 by West Berkshire Crematorium, which it raised as part of its metal recycling scheme.
Trindlewood Farm, Autistm Berkshire, Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Handy Bus Newbury and Thatcham have each been given a cheque for £4,000.
With the consent of families, metals recovered during cremation are recycled and any money raised at each of the 35 crematoria and cemeteries operated by Westerleigh Group nationwide is donated to local worthy causes.
Stephanie Langford, Site Manager of the crematorium, said: “The past year has been particularly difficult for a lot of charities, who rely on public support, so we were delighted to be able to make these donations.
“Staff at West Berkshire Crematorium discussed this together and came up with suggestions as to who they would like the money to be donated to.”
Trindlewood Farm is run by the National Animal Welfare Trust but has been closed to the public for over a year, not just because of the pandemic but also because of some flooding on site.
Stephanie said: “We at West Berkshire Crematorium wanted to help ensure that the farm can continue to offer animal rehoming services to our local community and, once lockdown restrictions are lifted, can safely open their doors to the public again.”
Autism Berkshire is a small charity which relies on proceeds from a range of fundraising activities to pay for the services and support it provides to autistic people of all ages, and their families.
Stephanie said: “It has been very difficult for them to raise funds during the pandemic, yet they have continued to provide their help which has brought real benefit to local people.”
Thames Valley Air Ambulance relies on donations for its vital work, which has continued right through the pandemic. In January alone, the service attended 193 call outs for urgent critical care.
Stephanie said: “They suffered greatly last year with a lack of financial support, due to being unable to carry out their usual fundraising activities.
“We are happy to know that our donation will help keep them in the sky, ready to assist patients in the most critical need.”
The Handy Bus in a volunteer-run charity which, in normal times, provide a lifeline to elderly people and those with limited mobility.
Stephanie said: “As the country starts to get back to normal, the Handy Bus will enable these people to enjoy the freedom they so desperately need, having been unable to leave their houses or care homes for such a long time.
“We want to help ensure that the Handy Bus is ready and waiting when lockdown restrictions are eased, so that it can continue its fantastic work to improve the quality of life for people in the local community.
“All four organisations do such incredible work trying to enhance and make a positive difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people, and animals, in our communities, and it’s an honour to be able to provide them with some financial support”
