A dozen charities are to receive donations adding up to a total of more than £12,000 in West Wiltshire Crematorium’s ’12 Days of Christmas’ giveaway.

The money has been raised through the crematorium’s metal recycling scheme.

With the consent of families, metals recovered during cremation are recycled and any proceeds are donated to charity.

West Wiltshire Crematorium is part of Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 35 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.

Each of the group’s crematoria operates the metal recycling scheme and can choose charities which are benefitting their local communities.

Between December 11 and December 22, West Wiltshire Crematorium will donate £12,000 in total and highlight a different charity on its Facebook page each day.

The donations range from £500 to £3,000 and recipients include Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, several foodbanks, the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and a selection of youth and carer support organisations.

Louise Belsey, Site Manager at West Wiltshire Crematorium, said: “We’re delighted to be able to provide valuable support to a dozen very worthy causes in the run-up to Christmas.

“Many charities have struggled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with charity shops closed and lockdown restrictions meaning that many regular fundraising events were unable to take place.

“The pandemic also saw huge additional demand put on organisations like food banks for their services.

“Each and every one of the 12 organisations we are donating money to this month work hard to provide vital support to local people and it’s an honour being able to show our gratitude to them by providing them with some funds to help them continue their incredible work.

“Each day during our 12 Days of Christmas initiative, we will feature one of the dozen organisations on our Facebook page, explaining a little about what they do and why we chose them to receive a donation.

“It’s our way of saying thank you to organisations who help enrich lives of our local communities and to recognise the positive contribution they make.”