Haycombe Cemetery donation supports families affected by cancer

A Bath charity that offers holidays to families with young people affected by cancer or bereavement has received a £10,000 donation from Haycombe Cemetery, a gift described by the foundation as “incredibly special”.

Karen Payton, Ben’s aunt and trustee (middle left), Joanne Saunders, Ben’s mum and trustee (middle) and Tom Saunders, Ben’s dad and trustee (middle right) pictured with family dog Mabel and Haycombe staff | Photo © B&NES Council

The Ben Saunders Foundation, set up by Ben before he passed away in 2020 from a rare form of cancer, will use the money to cover the 2026 bills for one of the charity’s Ben’s Retreat holiday lodges.

The donation was made by Bath & North East Somerset Council through the Recycling of Metals Scheme, a not-for-profit initiative run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). The scheme distributes funds to charities that support the bereaved or people who are terminally ill.

Tom Saunders, Ben’s dad and a trustee of the foundation, said the donation meant a great deal to the family.

He said: “It is an incredible gesture. To receive this when we live literally 100 yards from the cemetery gates and also where Ben has his final resting place is incredibly special.

“We are so proud to represent Bath in everything we do. Ben was born in Bath, went to Oldfield Park and then St Gregory’s School in Bath and also played football for Bath City. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for helping us to keep Ben’s memory alive and enabling us to support families in their darkest days.”

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for communications and community, said she was pleased the council could support the foundation through the ICCM scheme.

She said: “Ben’s charity is helping people through a difficult time in their lives and I am pleased that we are able to support the Foundation through the ICCM scheme.

“This is all thanks to all the bereaved families who gave their consent – you have made a real difference to the lives of others, as well as helping Ben’s remarkable legacy to live on.”