A £12,500 donation has been made to a charity which supports bereaved children who have lost their siblings thanks to the recycling of metals from Haycombe Crematorium.
Elaine, volunteer at the Harvey Hext Trust, with Sarah Hext | Photo © B&NES Council
The Harvey Hext Trust provides memory boxes and bears to families and bereavement support professionals to help children keep alive their memories of their brothers and sisters.
Bath & North East Somerset Council, which operates Haycombe Crematorium, is a member of the not-for-profit Recycling of Metals Scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.
With the consent of relatives, members of the scheme collect common metal objects from cremators such as medical pins, metal plates and artificial joints and the money raised from their recycling is distributed among charities by the members.
Sarah Hext, founder of the Harvey Hext Trust, said: “We were absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to receive this very generous grant from Haycombe Crematorium.
“The kindness of the families who agree to the Recycling of Metals scheme means we will be able to support bereaved children by offering our bespoke memory boxes to them when they need them most, offering critical emotional and practical support during the most challenging of times.
“We will also be able to continue our support of bereaved families with Harvey’s Holdalls, giving families a dignified way to transport their child’s belongings home after they have died. Thank you so much.”
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “The Harvey Hext Trust does amazing work helping children preserve cherished memories of the brothers and sisters they have sadly lost.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of a scheme that not only contributes to sustainability through recycling but also provides essential financial support to local charities.”
In 2024, a total of £25,600 was donated to charities from this scheme. To qualify, charities are selected on the basis they have to assist the bereaved or those who are terminally ill.
Charities meeting the criteria can get in touch with staff at Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium on 01225 396020 or email [email protected]
