Two charities have shared more than £11,000 thanks to the recycling of metals from Haycombe Crematorium in Bath.
Representatives from Parkinson’s UK | Photo courtesy of B&NES Council
Bath Gateway Out and About and Parkinson’s UK have each received £5,800 as a result of the specialist recycling scheme.
Bath & North East Somerset Council donated the funds after raising the money from the not-for-profit Recycling of Metals Scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), of which the council is a member.
With the consent of relatives, members of the scheme collect common metal objects from cremators such as medical pins, metal plates and artificial joints for recycling and the money raised is divided between ICCM members for distribution among charities.
Bath Gateway Out and About provides a range of age-appropriate fun, social and leisure activities for fifty or more adults with learning disabilities.
It provides activities that can make a real difference to its members’ lives by integrating them into the local community in Bath, increasing confidence and independence whilst alleviating loneliness and isolation.
Kelly Jones, charity administrator at Bath Gateway, said: “These funds will go a huge way towards helping adults with learning disabilities to be able to experience the pleasures of enriching engagements with their peers.
“Our weekly programmes enable our members, with the help of our fantastic volunteers, to partake in a wide variety of enjoyable leisure activities. We are extremely grateful for this wonderful donation. Thank you!”
Parkinson’s UK offers support to everyone affected by Parkinson’s disease, including carers, family and friends. It also funds research into treatments and the causes of Parkinson’s.
Kirsty Berrigan and Rebecca Landolt, Heads of Community Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to Haycombe Crematorium for their generous and thoughtful donation.
“This kind contribution will provide much-needed support to people living with Parkinson’s, as well as their families and carers.
“The funds will help us deliver critical services, such as our helpline, local support groups, and tailored advice, which make a real difference to the Parkinson’s community. It also allows us to continue investing in groundbreaking research, bringing us closer to better treatments and ultimately a cure.”
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “The consent given by families for us to take part in the metals recycling scheme is a real gesture of kindness to others.
“We hope that these contributions to good causes are a small comfort to those who have lost loved ones, as the money raised will make a real difference to local people’s lives.”
In 2024, a total of £25,600 has been donated to charities from the scheme.
To qualify for donations from the scheme, charities are selected on the basis they have to assist the bereaved or those who are terminally ill.
