Isabel Hospice, based in Welwyn Garden City, has benefitted from a £14,000 donation thanks to the borough council and Oak Hill Crematorium. 

WHBC and Oak Hill Crematorium, gave the money to Isabel Hospice on Tuesday, January 23. 

The hospice is a local charity providing specialist palliative care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses, along with their families.

Claire Melinte, community and events fundraiser at Isabel Hospice, said: "We were astonished to receive the call about the £14,000 donation from Oak Hill Crematorium.

"It’s a staggering amount and we had to confirm the total by email as we couldn’t believe our ears.

"Our services cost us £7 million per year, so donations like this are invaluable to help keep us running.

"We are very grateful to WHBC, Oak Hill Crematorium and the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management for their generosity and support.

"It will make a huge difference to our patients and their loved ones."

Th donation was made possible due to the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) metals recycling scheme.

The initiative allows crematoriums to recycle metals following the cremation process and distribute the funds accordingly.

Metals such as surgical implants and coffin fittings are collected and shipped to the Netherlands for valuation.

The ICCM then redistributes funds to participating crematoriums to support local causes.

The council and the crematorium chose Isabel Hospice due to its key role in the community and its close relationship with bereavement.

Isabel Hospice offers services to more than 2,000 people annually and the donation will fund 500 nursing hours, providing vital care and support to both patients and their families.

Councillor Max Holloway, executive member for community and leisure at WHBC, said: "We are very proud to be part of the ICCM metals recycling scheme, which enables us to support a fantastic local charity like Isabel Hospice.

"It is something positive to come out of a sad time for our bereaved families, who have kindly agreed to donate the metals for this worthy cause.

"We hope that this donation will make a difference to the lives of those who need the hospice’s services.”