Metal from cremations provides £12,000 funding to cancer charity

Rochdale Borough Council has chosen Macmillan Cancer Support to receive a £12,000 cash boost thanks to a national scheme that recycles metals left over from cremations.

The scheme, managed by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) and OrthoMetals, allows metals such as steel hip joints, titanium plates, and teeth fillings to be recycled into new products.

The money raised from the sale of the metals is divided between all ICCM members who contribute to the recycling scheme and distributed to charities that provide services or support for bereaved residents. Since the scheme began in 2006, £15,262,000 has been donated to charities across the country.

Macmillan is well known for funding cancer specialists, nurses, support centre staff, doctors, and welfare advisors to help treat and support people in hospitals throughout the north west and across the UK.

Councillor Liam O’Rourke, cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: "We are pleased to have played our part once again in the donation of this substantial sum of money, this time gifted to Macmillan who work around the clock to support those affected by cancer.

"We’re extremely thankful to local families who give us express consent to collect metals at both Rochdale and Middleton crematoriums that enable us to continue to support this vital scheme and help raise money for those charities who do so much to help and support those in need."

John Rullo, relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan, said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you for the £12,000 donation that will go a long way in our continuous fight to be there for everyone affected by cancer.

"Ninety seven per cent of our funding comes from donations and this money will make it possible to do so much for people going through cancer treatment at a time when the need is greater than ever before.

"The money is earmarked to help us to provide care and financial grants across the borough of Rochdale to ensure we are there to support people affected by cancer emotionally, practically, physically, and financially at every stage."

 

 

A Macmillan Pod was recently installed within Rochdale Infirmary to support people affected by cancer living in the local area.

Sarah Plant, Macmillan information and support service assistant manager, said: "Our service welcomes the introduction of a Macmillan Pod into Rochdale Infirmary as we recognise there are many challenges faced when someone has a diagnosis of cancer, including emotional, financial, and practical issues, which can affect not only the person living with cancer but their friends and family too. The new pod will provide a base for people visiting the hospital to obtain face-to-face support in their time of need."

If you are a local charity offering bereavement services to borough residents, you can apply to receive a donation in the next round, which will be announced once the next dates are released.

See rochdale.gov.uk/funerals for further information.