Funds raised through the reclamation of metal from Weeley Crematorium are being used to help families cope with the death of a baby .

Pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands has received £12,500 thanks to the Recycling of Metals Scheme, a not-for-profit initiative run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), of which Tendring District Council (TDC) is a member.

The scheme retrieves and recycles items such as medical pins, plates, wires, screws, rods, and artificial joints that are left following a cremation. The proceeds from this recycling effort are then donated to charities that support terminally ill people or bereaved families.

Maria Gormley, who has volunteered as a befriender for the Sands charity for the last 20 years, experienced baby loss when her daughter Laura was stillborn at 36 weeks.

“This donation will go such a long way in helping Sands save more babies’ lives, and will ensure that when a baby does die, the family and people affected can access and receive the support that they need, for however long they need it,” she said.

Peter Kotz, TDC’s cabinet member for assets, who selected the charity for the donation, said: “Sands is a real beacon of hope and compassion for families in the Tendring district who have faced the unimaginable loss of a baby. Their tireless work over the past 40 years has not only provided crucial support to those grieving but has also driven vital research to improve maternity safety and save lives.”