'Heartfelt' thanks from charity as Grimsby crematorium initiative leads to £12,000 donation

 

Welcome boost for charity's coffers. The money will help fund vital research into heart health  

THE British Heart Foundation is £12,000 richer thanks to a donation from Grimsby Crematorium.

The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Metals Recycling Scheme has been in operation since 2014, collecting recyclable metals such as parts of the coffin and replacement implants or joints that can be salvaged following a cremation. 

Proceeds from the sale of the metal locally go into a charity fund which is donated twice a year - the latest payout being to the heart charity.

Says Melanie Meik, fundraising supremo with the BHF's Lincolnshire and Rutland branch: "We are grateful and honoured that Grimsby crematorium has chosen to support the British Heart Foundation and help fund the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow."

She continues: "The money donated will help the British Heart Foundation fund vital research into heart and circulatory diseases such as heart attacks, stroke and vascular dementia.

"There are 160,000 people living with these conditions in Lincolnshire."

Over the years, the crematorium has donated almost £100,000 to charities.

Says Cllr Stewart Swinburn, NELC's portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council:

"We are delighted to be able to donate funds to the British Heart Foundation, contributing to the excellent work they do in our community.

"Most of us will know someone affected by heart conditions, and we are happy to be funding research that could ultimately save lives."

Daniel Intress-Franklin, deputy bereavement services manager at Grimsby Crematorium, notes that relatives of the deceased are asked to give their consent before the cremation to allow the collection of the metals to proceed.