BEREAVED families are finding a way to help others coping with their loss, through the sale of metal from the cremated remains of their loved ones.

City charity Footsteps has benefitted from the practise after being boosted by a donation from Worcester City Council.

Following cremation of a deceased person metals from the coffin and from implants, such as hip and knee replacement joints, are left behind.

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With the written consent of each bereaved family, these metals resulting from cremation go to the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management’s metals recycling scheme, which Worcester City Council’s crematorium is part of, to be sold for cash.

To date Worcester City Council has contributed close to £50,000 to local charities as a result of the scheme.

In recent years Dementia UK has received £4,000, and the NSPCC has received £5,000 from the authority.

And now a cheque for £8,000 has been donated to Footsteps that support bereaved children, young people and their families throughout the county following the death of a parent, sibling or other significant person in their life.

The cheque was presented to the charity by the Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Allah Ditta.

Footsteps provides its services free of charge, so the money is a welcome boost for the charity.

Helen Dolton, service operations manager said: “We are extremely grateful for this donation which will help us to provide more one to one support to children and young people in Worcester and its surrounding area.

“Last year we worked in over 50 schools and colleges in the area and helped over 150 young people and their families.

“Sadly, the demand for our support is growing and it is very important to us that our service is available to all those that need us totally free of charge, thereby ensuring accessibility to all.”

For more on the charity visit http://talktofootsteps.co.uk - or call 08454 676065.