Petals charity receives recycling cash

Published2nd July 2019

A local charity is £7,000 better off – thanks to a national recycling scheme supported by Ipswich Borough Council.

After each cremation, and with the agreement of the family, the metals from the coffin, along with orthopaedic implants, are recycled. The scheme is endorsed by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.

A cheque was presented to Petals – The Baby Loss Counselling Charity, which delivers specialist perinatal counselling services for parents suffering trauma or loss relating to pregnancy. This might be as a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or other complications. 

In 2017, charitable funds from Ipswich Hospital enabled Petals to pilot their counselling service in Ipswich. Since then, more than 100 parents have benefited from this support.

Karen Burgess, CEO of Petals, said: “As a charity, we are dependent on the generosity of our donors to continue and expand this much needed and valued counselling service. We are therefore very grateful to Ipswich Borough Council for this substantial donation to our funds in Ipswich. This will provide a further 140 counselling sessions for parents at Ipswich Hospital - it really will make a difference.”

To find out more about the charity visit their website petalscharity.org.

CAPTION: Karen Burgess and Ali Brett, Bereavement Midwife at Ipswich Hospital, with Councillor Sophie Meudec, portfolio-holder (right) and Toni Nunn, of Ipswich Borough Council’s Bereavement Services (left)