Cheltenham Crematorium’s £12,000 donation to support critically ill babies and children

Funds raised during a metal recycling scheme at the Cheltenham Crematorium have been donated to support the important, lifesaving work of the Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA) as it celebrates 10 years of vital service.

The Cheltenham Crematorium was opened in 1938 with Cleeve Hill as its impressive backdrop. It covers an area of 65 acres providing a peaceful setting to visit and remember loved ones. The team at Cheltenham handed over an extremely generous donation of £12,000 to support the vital children’s charity.

The not-for-profit Recycling of Metals Scheme is run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). It recycles artificial hips, rods and screws that cannot be recycled, generating charitable donations.

The Children’s Air Ambulance is a national lifesaving high-speed transfer service – flying critically ill babies and children in clinically designed helicopters from one hospital to another for specialist care.

“I am very pleased that Cheltenham Bereavement Services have been able to raise £12,000 for such a wonderful charity. The Children’s Air Ambulance provides fantastic, lifesaving work for critically ill babies and children and without support like ours the service wouldn’t exist,” added Ben Jenkins, Bereavement Services Manager & Registrar.

The recycling process is put in place to not only help the environment but to provide potential benefits for deserving charities.

TCAA Community Fundraising Executive Fiona Franklin said, “On behalf of the charity I’d like to say a big thank you to the amazing team at the Cheltenham Crematorium for their incredible donation, meaning we can continue to provide our vital service for babies and children”.

“Each potentially lifesaving mission costs £3,500, and the support from our local communities and businesses is paramount as we receive no government funding and rely solely on donations. Every donation received will go towards keeping the Children’s Air Ambulance flying and the specialist equipment needed for this,” she added.

The Children’s Air Ambulance is celebrating its 10^th anniversary of providing lifesaving high-speed transfers for critically ill babies and children in 2023. To help the charity mark this momentous milestone and support it so its lifesaving missions can continue, why not visit a charity store and grab a bargain, donate preloved items, host a clothing bank, get involved in a challenge event, fundraise, make a one-off donation, or even sign up to volunteer. Your support will help to keep hope alive for patients and their families.

To learn more, or to support the charity, please visit: www.childrensairambulance.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.