A CREMATORIUM near Evesham has raised more than £13,000 for charity by recycling metal salvaged from the incineration process.

Money is raised by recycling the metal from funerals where families consent, a venture that has been rolled out at all 34 crematoria and cemeteries operated by Westerleigh Group nationwide in order to support worthy causes local to the sites.

Metals left over after a cremation are removed with tongs and a magnet before being placed in a recycling container. They range from stainless steel and copper to precious metals such as gold and palladium.

The Vale Crematorium has donated £3,300 each to Nathan Tomkins Trust, St Richard’s Hospice and Footsteps and £3,324.27 to Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The charities were chosen by crematorium staff, including site manager Catherine Linfield who picked Footsteps, a charity which supports bereaved children, young people and their families in Worcestershire.

“I’ve had many connections with Footsteps in the past, and admire the valuable guidance and support their provide to help children and young people manage their grief,” she said.

“The Nathan Tomkins Trust was chosen by Mandy who was involved in Nathan’s funeral, so it is something that is close to her heart.

“The charity was set up in his memory to support mental health awareness in young people across Worcestershire and the Three Counties.”

Nathan Tomkins, from Earls Croome, near Malvern, died aged just 22 on Saturday, December 24, 2017, after suffering with depression.

“Acorns Children’s Hospice was chosen by Jason, who has always supported children’s charities, with his immediate family members having connections with them.

“Acorns has cared for more than 780 children in the past year, and supported more than 1,220 family members across the West Midlands, including those who are bereaved.

“St Richard’s Hospice was chosen by Adam, having spent most of his career in bereavement. He has many connections with this hospice and, in the past, completed a sponsored parachute jump to help raise funds for them.

“They provide guidance and support to help children and young people manage their grief. These organisations do incredible work trying to enhance and make a positive difference.”