A cancer charity has been presented with a cheque for £5,000 thanks to the generosity of bereaved families from across Harrogate district.
The money has been raised by the council’s bereavement services team who – with permission from families – recovered, and then recycled, metals from various cremations.
It includes the metals used in the construction of coffins and medical implants such as hip, knee and replacement joints.
Over six months, £5,000 was raised for Macmillian Cancer Support, which is the team’s chosen charity for 2018.
Macmillian supports and cares for about 6,000 people living with cancer across the district, helping them to live as full a life as possible.
Harrogate’s metal-recycling-from-cremations scheme is the same as other councils and follows strict guidance from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.
Councillor Andy Paraskos, cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said:
This is perhaps an unusual fundraising initiative, but the generosity and understanding of bereaved families has supported a local charity to the tune of £5,000.
Not only is the team raising money for good causes, valuable metals are recycled.
I am delighted we have been able to support Macmillian which does an amazing job supporting many people across our district who are living with cancer.
