Colchester Crematorium has demonstrated its commitment to the community with a £12,500 donation to two local charities, Cruse Bereavement Support and Young Lives vs Cancer. Through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) metal recycling scheme, each charity received £6,250 to support people during difficult times.
The ICCM has approved Cruse Bereavement Support and Young Lives vs Cancer for funding through the metal recycling scheme, which Colchester Crematorium joined 5 years ago. This initiative repurposes cremation metals, such as implants and coffin materials, by recycling them to generate charitable funds that truly impact people's lives.
Since its establishment in 2004, the ICCM metal recycling scheme has partnered with Orthometals, a specialist Dutch company that periodically collects and processes these metals. Families are informed about the metal recycling scheme through cremation paperwork and have the option to opt out should they wish. Many find comfort in knowing that, even in loss, something positive can come from their loved one’s passing – helping others in their time of need.
Hannah Yeomanson from Cruse Bereavement Support said: “We are incredibly grateful to Colchester Crematorium for this generous donation. Losing a loved one is devastating, and we help people navigate complex emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience, while also identifying additional support networks. We rely on donations to ensure our services remain free and accessible, and this incredible contribution from Colchester Crematorium will make a significant impact.”
Kim Mangelshot, Fundraising Engagement Manager for Essex at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “We cannot thank Colchester Crematorium enough for your donation. From the moment of diagnosis, our specialist social workers provide day-to-day support for each child, young person and family. Sometimes we also have to prepare the families for bereavement and donations like yours allow us to support our families, up to, during and post-bereavement - helping them in every way possible.”
Simon Lambert, from Westcliff on Sea, whose son Archie sadly died in January 2023, aged 5, from a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), said: “I'm not sure what we would have done without the help from our Specialist Social Worker at Young Lives vs Cancer, both with practical help and referring us to various charities for us to spend time together as a family. They have been there during, and after also providing wellbeing and financial support.”
Cllr Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Heritage, and Public Protection, added: “We are honoured that, through our participation in the ICCM metal recycling scheme, we can support these two incredible charities, both of which provide life-changing assistance to individuals and families during the most challenging times. We are proud to play a part in helping them continue their vital work.”
Pictured above, from left to right: Lee Copping, Michael Nottage, Cllr Natalie Sommers, Susannah Downing (Cruse Bereavement Support), Russell Gadsby, Susi Long and Brian (grief support dog) borrowed from Roxanne Angelique (Funeral Celebrant)
:
:
Page last reviewed: 28 March 2025