A children’s hospice for babies and children is receiving a £12,000 boost thanks to a national scheme which recycles metal left behind after cremations.
The hospice, Oxfordshire-based Helen & Douglas House, helps Milton Keynes families, and those in surrounding areas to cope with the challenges of looking after a terminally ill baby or child.
Helen & Douglas House helps to provide 24/7 care at their hospice in Oxford, and at home for local children and their families.
Only when a bereaved family gives permission, the Council works with The Institute of Cemetery and Cremation Management, to raise funds from the sale of metals recovered after cremations at Crownhill Crematorium.
Metals recovered could come from items such as medical implants and artificial joints.
MK Council has nominated Helen & Douglas House to be the latest recipient of funding raised through the scheme.
It has donated more than £46,000 to local charities through metal recycling since 2014.
Clare Periton, CEO at Helen & Douglas House said: “We would like to say a huge thank you the Milton Keynes Council for donation £12,000 to Helen & Douglas House. This money will make a huge difference to the lives of local children like Toby from Milton Keynes, who we care for at the hospice and at home.
"This donation will enable us to help families like Toby’s cope with caring for a child with a life shortening condition and support them when their child has died through this difficult time. This would not be possible without amazing people like Milton Keynes Council.”
Council Leader Pete Marland said: “The local charities we help have told us how useful these donations have been to their important work. We couldn’t participate in the scheme if it wasn’t for the kindness of the bereaved families who give us their permission. This funding is shared in the memory of their loved ones, with our heartfelt gratitude.”
